The Ghana Coalition Against Galamsey has called on President John Dramani Mahama to take firm action against illegal mining, urging him to publicly name and sanction district-level officials accused of failing to address the crisis.
In a statement issued on March 28, the coalition warned that Ghana’s fight against galamsey is losing momentum, despite what it described as a promising start by the current administration. It said observations on the ground, along with remarks from public officials, indicate that progress in curbing illegal mining has been minimal.
The group raised alarm over the continued degradation of key natural resources, noting that illegal mining activities persist even in designated protected areas. Rivers such as the Ankobra River, Birim River, Pra River and Ofin River continue to suffer heavy pollution, posing serious risks to both the environment and public health.
GCAG also criticised what it described as weak enforcement of existing laws, particularly pointing to the lack of accountability for Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs). According to the coalition, no local official has been sanctioned despite earlier assurances that tackling galamsey would be a key performance benchmark.
“Not a single DCE or MCE has faced consequences. Name them! Sanction them! Remove them!” the statement said.
The coalition further questioned the status of investigations into alleged political involvement in illegal mining, including a case linked to the Amansie Central District Chief Executive, and called for greater transparency in handling such matters.
Among its recommendations, GCAG is demanding the temporary suspension of small-scale mining licences, intensified enforcement operations, and increased funding for key institutions such as the Forestry Commission and the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat. It also urged government to regularly publish water quality data to keep the public informed.
The coalition warned that without decisive political will and clear, time-bound measures, the fight against illegal mining will continue to fall short, with potentially severe long-term consequences for Ghana’s environment.
