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The Ghana Coalition Against Galamsey is urging the government to declare a state of emergency in illegal mining (galamsey) zones, citing worsening environmental degradation and threats to human lives as reasons for immediate action.
Speaking at a press conference in Accra on Thursday, June 19, 2025, the Coalition’s Convenor, Kenneth Ashigbey, emphasized the need to empower security forces to effectively combat galamsey through an emergency declaration.
“Ilegal mining activities continue to devastate the environment, posing threats to lives, necessitating a state of emergency to address the issue directly,” Ashigbey stated.
He also expressed concern over the alleged involvement of some political figures in illegal mining operations, particularly within the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC). Ashigbey cited the resolved case of Honourable Oscar Larbi and mentioned fresh reports implicating NDC constituency chairpersons in Axim and Dunkwa.
“This is unacceptable,” he declared, adding that although President John Mahama and other top NDC officials have publicly condemned galamsey, their efforts are being undermined by local party operatives allegedly profiting from the illegal activity.
The Coalition acknowledged the commitment of the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources and the Inspector General of Police (IGP) in tackling the menace but stressed that these efforts risk being derailed unless stricter action is taken.
The petition to the presidency, Ashigbey noted, has been acknowledged, and the Coalition remains hopeful that urgent steps will be taken to safeguard the country’s natural resources and the lives of affected communities.
