The Ghana Coalition Against Galamsey (GCAG) has issued a strongly worded statement warning that the country’s fight against illegal mining is failing, despite initial signs of progress, and is calling on President John Dramani Mahama to take urgent and decisive action.
In a press release issued on Saturday, March 28, 2026, the Coalition said its assessment of ongoing anti-galamsey efforts reveals a worsening situation, with severe consequences for Ghana’s environment and public health.
“While the Coalition acknowledges that the anti-Galamsey effort began promisingly with some modest results, it notes with deep concern that meaningful impacts remain largely unachieved,” the statement said.
The group warned that illegal mining activities continue to devastate water bodies and forest reserves, posing what it described as a growing national crisis.
“Despite repeated government assurances, the Coalition observes with grave concern that the situation is worsening, threatening our water bodies, forest reserves, and the health and safety of the Ghanaian people,” it added.
The Coalition highlighted the deterioration of forest reserves as a key concern, noting that the number of affected areas has increased since the President assumed office.
According to the statement, “When the President took office, nearly 45 forest reserves were impacted by illegal mining; that number has now risen to at least 50 forests, with over 9,000 hectares of area affected.”
It also raised alarm over illegal mining activities in the Atewa Forest, describing the situation as unprecedented and calling for an immediate enforcement crackdown.
Forest Destruction and Weak Enforcement
The Coalition further urged the government to adequately resource the Forestry Commission and repeal policies it believes undermine long-term forest protection.
Water Pollution and Public Health Risks
Illegal mining in rivers remains another major concern, with the Coalition accusing authorities of failing to act decisively despite the presence of security agencies.
“Every chanfan mining machine still sitting in a river is an act of state negligence,” the statement said, adding that “every diverted river… is a crime against the people.”
The group is demanding the immediate removal of mining equipment from water bodies and the publication of weekly water quality data to ensure transparency.
“Citizens have the right to know what they are drinking,” the Coalition stressed.
Human Rights and Accountability
Beyond environmental damage, the Coalition raised concerns about human rights abuses linked to illegal mining activities. It called for the protection of environmental activists and demanded justice in specific cases, including the killing of a 13-year-old boy.
“The State must protect environmental defenders as human rights defenders,” the statement noted, warning that prosecuting activists while allowing illegal mining to persist undermines the rule of law.
Call for Political Accountability
The Coalition also criticised what it described as a lack of accountability among political leaders and state officials.
It called for a suspension of small-scale mining licences until stricter monitoring systems are established and demanded sanctions against district officials who fail to curb illegal mining.
In a direct challenge to the government, the statement said: “Name them! Sanction them! Remove them!”
The group further questioned the lack of progress on key investigations and reports into galamsey-related activities, including those involving politically exposed persons.
“The President himself admits he knows ‘his people’ are involved in Galamsey. Stop hiding behind vague admissions… Name the names. Arrest the powerful. No one is above the law,” the Coalition asserted.
Call for Presidential Leadership
The Coalition concluded by urging President Mahama to take personal responsibility for addressing the crisis and restoring confidence in the fight against illegal mining.
“We call on him to publicly commit to clear, time-bound actions that will restore accountability and signal genuine political will to save our environment,” the statement said.
The GCAG, made up of civil society organisations, professional bodies, and advocacy groups, warned that without urgent intervention, the environmental and social consequences of illegal mining could become irreversible.
