A group calling itself the Ghana Coalition Against Galamsey has called on the government to take swift action on the increasing menace of illegal mining, also known as Galamsey.
In a statement signed by the group’s convenor, Kenneth Ashigbey, on Monday, January 20, 2025, the group expressed its worry about the menace and stated that there has been a decline in its fight since the December 2024 elections.
“Despite the tireless efforts of various stakeholders and promises made by the government, we have witnessed a further decline in the situation. Since the December elections, perpetrators have taken advantage of the perceived leadership and governmental silence on the matter, leading to an alarming increase in illegal mining activities.
“A timely reminder that this problem is an explosive threat to national security and cohesion,” the coalition stated.
Their concerns follow the recent tragic incident involving a clash between the military and some reported illegal miners in Obuasi where the lives of at least ten individuals were claimed.
They also called for a more aggressive approach and admonished the President to declare a state of emergency over the country’s water bodies.
“We have formally written to His Excellency the President, urging him to issue an immediate cease-and-desist order to all illegal miners and regulatory bodies. This decisive measure is crucial to demonstrate the government’s commitment to combating this menace and protecting our environment.
Mining on the water bodies is illegal, and the President must take immediate action to halt all mining activities within 100 meters of rivers and streams.”
According to the group, the Legislative Instrument (L.I.) 2462 of the mining laws must be reviewed since they believe it has facilitated illegal mining in the country.
