The Ghana Coalition Against Galamsey, a prominent advocacy group, has expressed serious concerns about the resurgence of illegal mining activities (galamsey) since the December 2024 elections.
In a statement issued by its convenor, Kenneth Ashigbey, on January 20, 2025, the group blamed the rise in galamsey on governmental inaction and a perceived leadership vacuum. “Despite efforts and promises, illegal mining has worsened. Perpetrators exploit perceived silence from leadership,” the statement noted.
The Coalition referenced recent fatalities at Ntrotroso and Obuasi as reminders of galamsey’s threat to national security and supported former President Mahama’s call for an independent investigation.
While acknowledging the government’s inclusion of galamsey in its first 120-day agenda, the group criticized the slow pace of action. They urged the President to issue a cease-and-desist order against illegal mining and proposed a state of emergency on water bodies to clear miners.
Additionally, they demanded an immediate halt to mining within 100 meters of rivers, the cancellation of mining concessions near river buffers, and the repeal of L.I. 2462, which they argue enables mining in protected areas.
The Coalition vowed to intensify advocacy and called on Ghanaians to unite in combating galamsey. Meanwhile, a clash between military forces and illegal miners at the Deep Decline mine site on January 18 claimed seven lives.
