The Coalition Against Galamsey has issued a strong call on the government to take immediate and decisive action to end illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, across the country.
The Coalition expressed deep concern over the escalating environmental degradation caused by illegal mining activities, warning that Ghana’s water bodies, forest reserves, and farmlands are under severe threat.
According to the coalition, despite repeated assurances from successive governments, the galamsey menace continues to worsen, with illegal miners operating with increasing boldness in several regions. The group noted that key rivers, including the Pra, Ankobra, and Birim, have been heavily polluted, posing serious risks to public health and water security.
“The time for rhetoric is over. What we need now is firm, consistent, and non-partisan enforcement of the law,” a spokesperson for the coalition stated. “Galamsey is not just an environmental issue, it is a national crisis that threatens livelihoods, food security, and the future of our country.”
The coalition is demanding a comprehensive and transparent strategy that includes the prosecution of offenders, seizure of equipment used in illegal mining, and stricter monitoring of mining concessions. It also called for the removal of political interference in enforcement efforts, stressing that accountability must cut across all levels.
Additionally, the group urged the government to invest in sustainable livelihood alternatives for communities heavily dependent on illegal mining. They argued that without viable economic options, efforts to clamp down on galamsey may prove ineffective in the long term.
The Coalition Against Galamsey has further appealed to traditional leaders, security agencies, and the general public to support the fight against illegal mining by reporting offenders and resisting the temptation to engage in or facilitate such activities.