The Government Must Fulfil the Promise to Revoke L.I 2462

The Ghana Coalition Against Galamsey has urged President John Dramani Mahama to fulfil his pre- and post-2024 election promises to end galamsey operations in Ghana, which were echoed by key government officials, including the CEO of Goldbod, Sammy Gyamfi, and Prof. Jerry S.Y. Kuma. According to the Coalition, the inability of the government to honour its promise demonstrates a lack of commitment to Ghanaians. The Coalition has further accused the government of deliberately misleading the citizens and has refused to accept any amendments that prioritize individual interests over national well-being.

End Police Complicity and Crush Impunity of Illegal Miners

The Ghana Coalition Against Galamsey has commended the Inspector General of Police (IGP) and his team for stepping up efforts to combat illegal mining. However, the Coalition has expressed concern over "cracks" in the enforcement regime, citing the Akomfere incident, where police allegedly shielded Chinese nationals involved in galamsey. In the Coalition’s view, this incident highlights complicity and a national security disgrace. The Coalition has further called for a more robust approach to tackling galamsey, emphasizing that atrocities committed by illegal miners, including the displacement of farmers, destruction of rivers, and attacks on public officers, cannot be justified. The Coalition insists that decisive action is necessary to address the “seeming lapses in the law enforcement regime.”

Protect Forestry Commission Staff

Another concern that the Ghana Coalition Against Galamsey raised was the increasing violent attacks on Forestry Commission Officers, even when off-duty.  It has therefore called on the government to ensure officer safety by arming Forestry Commission officers, prosecuting offenders “ruthlessly”, and ending the impunity.

Demand for a State of Emergency in the Required Areas

The Ghana Coalition Against Galamsey has called for a state of emergency in critical mining zones, backed by military presence, drone surveillance, and asset freezes. Citing concerns over national security and democracy, the Coalition has noted that illegal mining areas have become breeding grounds for mercenaries. The recent attack on Dr. Hannah Louisa Bissiw by armed thugs following an illegal mining raid at Bui Sobinso exemplifies the lawlessness plaguing these zones. The Coalition argues that a state of emergency would empower security forces to tackle this growing threat, preventing further escalation.

Prosecute Politically Exposed Persons Engaging in Illegal Mining

The Coalition has commended the government for arresting the director of Akonta Mining Ltd., Mr. Bernard Antwi Bioisako, and has demanded the prosecution of all directors involved. However, the Coalition has condemned the alleged involvement of NDC officials in illegal mining, labeling it as "hypocrisy." Therefore, the Coalition is calling for an immediate investigation into the case of Hon. Oscar Larbi, the Member of Parliament for Aowin, as well as the NDC Constituency Chairpersons in Axim and Dunkwa, who are reportedly engaged in galamsey operations. It has also requested an investigation into the individuals named in the Prof. Frempong Boateng report, with no political protection.

“If the President does not act, the Environmental Protection (Mining in Forest Reserves) (Amendment) Regulations 2025 will mature and come into effect today. As a people, our only recourse will be to continue our court case; this will be most unfortunate at a time when Ghanaians expect a true reset in governance.”

The Coalition Against Galamsey has called on the government to prioritize environmental protection and honour its commitments to citizens by abolishing illegal mining in Ghana. Rather than justifying galamsey due to unemployment and revenue concerns, the government should focus on protecting water bodies and forest reserves for future generations. It believes that ending illegal mining will not only safeguard the environment but also enhance the government's leadership credibility, restore citizens' trust, and bolster national security.