Accra: The Ghana Coalition Against Galamsey (GCAG) has called on President John Dramani Mahama to take decisive action against illegal mining, urging him to identify and penalize district officials who are failing to adequately address the issue.
According to Ghana Web, GCAG released a statement on Saturday, March 28, 2026, highlighting that the momentum in the fight against illegal mining has decreased, despite a promising start under the current government. The coalition pointed out that reports from affected regions and statements from certain officials indicate a lack of significant progress in addressing the problem.
The coalition expressed concern over the continued destruction of rivers and forests, noting that illegal miners are still operating in protected 'red zones.' Rivers such as the Ankobra, Birim, Pra, and Ofin remain polluted, posing risks to both public health and the environment.
GCAG criticized the inadequate enforcement of laws, emphasizing that no Metropolitan, Municipal or District Chief Executive (MMDCE) has faced repercussions, contrary to earlier promises that their performance would be assessed based on their efforts to combat galamsey. The coalition demanded action, stating, "Not a single DCE or MCE has faced consequences. Name them! Sanction them! Remove them!"
In urging the government to address the issue urgently, GCAG recommended measures such as suspending small-scale mining licenses, enhancing enforcement, and allocating more resources to agencies like the Forestry Commission and the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat. They also called for regular updates on water quality to keep the public informed.
The coalition warned that without strong leadership and clear actions within set timelines, the fight against galamsey will not succeed, potentially causing long-term environmental damage to the country.