Christabel DANSO ABEAM
The Ghana Coalition Against Galamsey (GCAG) has warned that the country’s fight against illegal mining (galamsey) is failing, with forest degradation worsening despite earlier government interventions.
Government has implemented a range of measures to curb galamsey, including the deployment of military task forces, introduction of community mining schemes, tracking of excavators and use of satellite monitoring systems. It has also repealed the Environmental Protection (Mining in Forest Reserves) Regulations, 2022 (L.I. 2462), effectively banning mining in forest reserves.
However, the Coalition in a statement has bemoaned that while these efforts by the administration of President John Dramani Mahama showed promise, the situation has worsened with galamsey expanding its impact across key ecological zones.
According to GCAG, the number of forest reserves affected by illegal mining has increased from about 45 to at least 50 forest reserves, with more than 9,000 hectares of land impacted.
The group has described this development as alarming, particularly pointing to intensified activities in the Atewa Forest – a vital biodiversity hotspot and a major water source for millions of Ghanaians.
It also raised concerns about the continued vulnerability of Achimota Forest, calling for urgent policy action to secure its long-term protection.
Rising environmental and water risks
The Coalition warned that illegal mining activities are increasingly polluting major rivers including the Ankobra, Birim, Pra and Ofin, which poses serious public health risks.
GCAG is calling for the immediate removal of illegal miners and equipment from water-bodies, as well as publication of regular water quality data to ensure transparency and public awareness.
Weak enforcement and growing impunity
GCAG claims that existing enforcements regulating galamsey are weak – while also noting illegal miners continue to operate with little resistance.
The group questioned lack of accountability among local authorities and politically exposed persons, despite earlier government assurances that strict measures would be enforced.
It further called for the release of investigative findings by state agencies and publication of reports linked to illegal mining activities, including that by former minister Kwabena Frimpong-Boateng.
Urgent calls for action
The Coalition has urged government to suspend the issuance of small-scale mining licenses until stronger monitoring systems are established and to prosecute offenders rather than deport foreign nationals involved in illegal mining.
It also called for increased resourcing of key institutions, including the Forestry Commission and National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS), to strengthen enforcement efforts.
Demand for decisive leadership
GCAG is also calling on President Mahama to take direct responsibility for the anti-galamsey fight and outline clear, time-bound measures to reverse the current trend.
It stressed that without strong political will and accountability, the fight against illegal mining risks further setbacks – with severe consequences for Ghana’s forests, water-bodies and public health.
The statement was signed by Kenneth Ashigbey – Convenor, Awula Serwah – Member, Daryl Bosu – Member and Senyo Hosi – Member.
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