Ghana Coalition Against Galamsey urges gov’t to take immediate action against illegal mining

The Ghana Coalition Against Galamsey (GCAG) has expressed deep concern over the deteriorating state of the country’s fight against illegal mining, calling on President John Dramani Mahama to take urgent steps to restore accountability and protect the nation’s environment, water bodies, and citizens.

In a statement issued on Saturday, March 28, the Coalition acknowledged that early government efforts against galamsey yielded modest results but stressed that meaningful progress remains largely unachieved.

GCAG warned that the continued impunity among some enforcement agencies and government representatives is worsening the crisis, posing significant threats to forests, rivers, and the health of the Ghanaian population.

Calls for Immediate Government Action

The Coalition outlined several urgent actions it believes are critical to turning the tide against illegal mining:

1. Protection of Forests
   GCAG noted that despite the revocation of L.I. 2462 and declarations that forests are “red zones,” the situation has worsened. The number of forest reserves affected by illegal mining has risen from 45 to at least 50, with more than 9,000 hectares impacted. The Coalition highlighted the Atewa Forest, a key water source and biodiversity hotspot, as being particularly vulnerable. It called for a resourcing boost for the Forestry Commission, an immediate enforcement crackdown in Atewa, and the revocation of EI 144 to protect Achimota Forest.
2. Water Safety and River Protection
   Illegal mining continues to pollute rivers despite government assurances and the deployment of water guards and police. The Coalition demanded the removal of chanfan mining machines from water bodies, the reversal of diverted rivers, and the publication of weekly water quality data to ensure transparency and safeguard citizens’ health.
3. Human Rights and Corporate Accountability
   GCAG criticised the continued persecution of environmental defenders, calling for the dropping of charges against the Atronsu 5 activists. The Coalition also demanded an urgent investigation into the murder of 13-year-old Pious Nketia Nkansah in Adelekezo and called for full accountability for corporate entities involved in human rights abuses linked to illegal mining activities.
4. Rule of Law and Enforcement
   The Coalition urged the government to demonstrate real results in enforcing Section 99 of the Minerals and Mining Act, which outlines offences and penalties for illegal mining. Impunity, they stressed, must end.
5. Accountability of Government Officials and Agencies
   GCAG called for the suspension of all new small-scale mining licences until effective monitoring systems are in place. The Coalition also demanded accountability from District Chief Executives (DCEs) and Metropolitan Chief Executives (MCEs), as well as transparency regarding investigations into politically exposed persons implicated in Galamsey. The Coalition emphasised that deportation of foreign illegal miners does not constitute justice and demanded prosecutions under Ghanaian law.

Use of Hazardous Chemicals and NAIMOS Resourcing
The statement also highlighted the illegal use of cyanide by miners, describing it as a “weapon of mass destruction” against water bodies and communities.

GCAG called for an immediate government crackdown and for full funding of the National Inter-Ministerial Committee on Small-Scale Mining (NAIMOS) to enable effective enforcement.

The Coalition noted that only two of the 21 promised alternative livelihood sites are operational, urging the government to release funds and deploy them without political interference.

Widespread Impunity
According to GCAG, illegal mining continues unchecked at sites including Dunkwa Offin, Mankranso, Kunso, Kyebi, and Konongon-Odumase. The Coalition stressed that these operations must be halted immediately.

Coalition’s Appeal
GCAG called on President Mahama to personally oversee the resolution of these longstanding issues, publicly committing to clear, time-bound actions that will restore accountability and signal genuine political will to protect Ghana’s environment and citizens.

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