The Ghana Coalition Against Galamsey (GCAG) has issued an urgent appeal to President John Dramani Mahama, calling for immediate and decisive action to combat the escalating illegal mining crisis that continues to devastate the nation’s land and water resources.
In a statement signed by Convener Kenneth Ashigbey and other leading coalition members on March 28, the group expressed grave concern that the government’s current approach to the galamsey fight has been “lethargic” and undermined by “impunity among enforcement agencies and government representatives.”
The coalition acknowledged that anti-galamsey efforts began with some promise but noted that “meaningful impacts remain largely unachieved.” Despite repeated government assurances, the group warned that illegal mining is worsening, threatening water bodies, forest reserves, and the health and safety of citizens.
Forest Reserves Under Siege
The coalition expressed disappointment that after one year of President Mahama’s administration, the state of Ghana’s forests has deteriorated. While commending the President’s revocation of L.I. 2462, the group noted that the number of forest reserves impacted by illegal mining has increased from 45 to at least 50, with over 9,000 hectares affected.
According to Forestry Commission data released in February, 8,923.8 hectares of forest reserves—equivalent to 12,500 FIFA-standard football fields—were heavily impacted by illegal mining as of December 31, 2024. The commission is currently analyzing data to determine the extent of destruction through 2025.
The coalition raised particular alarm about the Atewa Forest, a critical biodiversity site and water source for over five million Ghanaians, which they said faces unprecedented illegal mining despite government declarations that forests are red zones.
Calls for Immediate Action
The GCAG outlined several urgent demands, including:
· Resource the Forestry Commission with appropriate logistics and tools while invoking strong deterrent measures to protect all forests
· Launch an immediate enforcement exercise to save the Atewa Forest
· Repeal E.I 144 to provide long-term protection for the Achimota Forest, noting that a petition on this matter has been pending since last year
· Remove Chanfan machines and floating devices from water bodies
· Empower District Police Commands to support the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS)
· Publish weekly water quality statistics to keep citizens informed
Justice and Accountability
The coalition also called on the President to protect environmental activists, specifically demanding that charges be dropped against the “Atronsu five” environmental activists who are currently being prosecuted.
“The government must stop prosecuting and drop all charges against the Atronsu five environmental activists; the state must protect environmental defenders as human rights defenders,” the coalition stated, adding that “persecuting citizens for peaceful advocacy” while allowing illegal miners to destroy resources with impunity violates the state’s duty to protect its citizens.
Additionally, the coalition proposed pausing all small-scale mining licence issuances until robust monitoring and enforcement protocols are established. It called on the Economic and Organised Crime Office and the Attorney-General to fast-track investigations into galamsey cases to ensure justice is served.
