Coalition Demands Fuel Clampdown to Curb Illegal Mining

The Ghana Coalition Against Galamsey (GCAG) is calling for urgent regulatory action to cut off fuel supply to illegal mining operations, describing it as the “lifeblood” of galamsey activities.

In a petition addressed to the Chief Executive of the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), Edudzi Tamakloe, the coalition outlined a series of measures aimed at disrupting fuel access to illegal miners.

Key among the demands is the implementation of data-driven audits to track fuel sales and identify filling stations in mining hotspots recording unusually high volumes. The group insists such findings should be made public to ensure transparency and accountability.

The coalition also urged the NPA to revoke the licences of Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) found to be supplying fuel to illegal miners and impose lifetime bans on directors of offending firms. It further called for such individuals to be reported to the Attorney-General for prosecution.

Additionally, the group is pushing for strict enforcement of “Know Your Customer” (KYC) protocols to ensure buyers of bulk fuel, particularly diesel, are properly vetted.

The petition also emphasised the need for stronger collaboration between the NPA and security agencies to intercept fuel shipments suspected of being diverted to illegal mining sites.

According to the coalition, cutting off fuel supply remains one of the most effective strategies to halt illegal mining activities, urging authorities to act decisively to protect the environment and natural resources.