The Ghana Coalition Against Galamsey (GCAG) is demanding urgent and decisive action from government in the fight against illegal mining, warning that failure to act could amount to a betrayal of public trust and a dangerous gamble with Ghana’s environmental future.
At a press conference held in Accra on Thursday, the Coalition, which is made up of media houses, civil society organisations, professional associations, and concerned citizens, said that while it appreciates President John Mahama’s renewed efforts, the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, and the Inspector General of Police’s actions so far are not enough.
According to the group, illegal mining, or galamsey, remains an “existential threat” to the nation, and any half-hearted response will only embolden the networks that continue to destroy rivers, forests, and farmlands across Ghana.
The Coalition’s top demand is the full revocation, not amendment, of L.I. 2462, the legislative instrument that permits mining in Ghana’s forest reserves. On several occasions, the Coalition reminded the public that President Mahama and other key officials had promised to scrap the regulation entirely.
They referenced public statements made by government spokespersons, including one from Professor Jerry Kuma, Special Advisor to the Lands Minister, who announced on May 8 that the President had “directed that the L.I. be revoked in its entirety.”
But according to the Coalition, Parliament has shown no indication of honouring that promise. With time running out and the amended version of the regulation set to mature into law, the Coalition warned that it might be forced to resume court action if the government fails to act.
“We will not accept an amendment that benefits a few people at the expense of national interest,” the group stated. “Revoking L.I. 2462 is the only path forward if the government is serious about saving Ghana’s forests.”
GCAG also raised concerns over what it called growing evidence of police complicity in galamsey operations. They pointed to a recent incident at Akomfere, where police officers allegedly shielded Chinese nationals engaged in illegal mining from arrest.
The group called for a full investigation, the interdiction and prosecution of any officers found complicit, and a public update on all police transfers from galamsey-prone areas, as the Interior Ministry had previously promised.
“These are not lapses in enforcement; they are failures of will. We cannot allow our law enforcement system to become a shield for criminals,” the Coalition said.
The Coalition stated that officers of the Forestry Commission, some even off-duty, have become targets of violent attacks by illegal miners. They called the situation a national embarrassment and urged the government to urgently protect these frontline workers.
“If mining in forest reserves is truly banned, then prove it. Arm the officers. Punish offenders. End the impunity,” the Coalition demanded.
The GCAG renewed its call for a state of emergency in galamsey hotspots, citing worsening security conditions. Referring to the June 5 attack on Dr Hannah Bissiw at Bui Sobinso, they said armed groups now operate in mining zones with reckless boldness.
They proposed a combined response involving military deployments, drone surveillance, and the freezing of assets linked to illegal mining syndicates.
“These areas are becoming breeding grounds for mercenaries. This is no longer just an environmental issue, it’s a threat to our national security.”
The Coalition also expressed outrage over fresh reports linking ruling party officials to galamsey activities. They demanded swift and impartial investigations into the case of Oscar Larbi (MP for Aowin), as well as NDC constituency chairpersons in Axim and Dunkwa, all of whom have been accused of aiding or profiting from illegal mining.
While they commended the government’s recent arrest of a director of Akonta Mining Ltd, they insisted that all company directors must face justice and that no politically connected individual should be shielded.
“The anti-galamsey fight cannot succeed if the politically exposed continue to enjoy impunity. It’s time to end the hypocrisy,” they stated.
In a passionate closing statement, the Coalition said the ongoing galamsey menace is not just about laws and regulations but about the country’s soul.
“This is about the survival of our rivers, our forests, and our children’s future. This is about trust in government. The time to act is now. No more excuses,” they said.
The Coalition says it will continue to mobilise public pressure and use every civic and legal tool until the government fulfils its promises.
