Calls Grow for Mahama to act against Galamsey
Coalition demands accountability and timelines as rivers face continued pollution
The Ghana Coalition Against Galamsey (GCAG) has called on John Dramani Mahama to take decisive steps to combat illegal mining, urging him to publicly identify and sanction district-level officials who have failed to address the problem.
In a statement issued on March 28, the coalition cautioned that Ghana’s efforts to tackle galamsey are losing momentum, despite what it described as an initially strong start by the government.
According to the group, observations from affected communities, along with comments from some public officials, suggest that progress in addressing illegal mining has been limited.
GCAG expressed concern over the continued degradation of natural resources, noting that illegal mining activities are still ongoing in protected “red zone” areas. It highlighted that major rivers such as the Ankobra River, Birim River, Pra River, and Ofin River remain heavily polluted, posing significant risks to both the environment and public health.
The coalition also criticized what it described as weak enforcement of existing regulations, pointing out that no Metropolitan, Municipal, or District Chief Executive (MMDCE) has been held accountable, despite earlier assurances that their performance would be assessed based on their role in fighting galamsey.
It further questioned the status of investigations into alleged political involvement in illegal mining, including a case involving the Amansie Central District Chief Executive, and called for greater transparency in addressing such allegations.
GCAG is therefore calling for urgent measures, including the suspension of small-scale mining licences, intensified enforcement efforts, and increased support for institutions such as the Forestry Commission and the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat.
Additionally, the coalition urged the government to regularly publish water quality data to keep the public informed about the state of the country’s water bodies.
The group warned that without strong political commitment and clear timelines, efforts to curb illegal mining will continue to fall short, with potentially serious long-term consequences for the environment.
