The Coalition Against Galamsey Ghana (CAGG) has firmly rejected the government's claim that the era of impunity for illegal mining, known as galamsey, has ended. CAGG insists that lawlessness continues to escalate, particularly in the Eastern Region, demanding tougher action against those involved.
This rejection directly challenges recent statements by the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah. CAGG's press statement, issued in Accra, acknowledged some government progress but painted a grim picture of continued illicit activities. The coalition specifically called for urgent action against politically exposed persons and "kingpins" orchestrating illegal mining operations.
This ongoing struggle against galamsey remains a critical issue for Ghana's economic and environmental stability. Illegal mining devastates water bodies, forests, and agricultural lands, threatening the livelihoods of millions. The government's ability to curb this menace directly impacts the nation's long-term development goals and its reputation for responsible resource management.
CAGG Convener Kenneth Ashigbey stated, "We completely disagree with the Ministry's assertion… that 'the era of impunity is over.' The evidence on the ground says otherwise." The coalition argues that enforcement must be applied equally across all regions and against all perpetrators, regardless of their influence. This statement underscores a deep-seated concern about selective application of the law.
The implications of CAGG's stance are significant for government policy and public trust. The coalition's allegations of confiscated equipment being returned to miners for fees, reportedly GHS 15,000 for motorbikes, by the NAIMOS taskforce, demand immediate investigation. Such claims, if proven true, would severely undermine anti-galamsey efforts and public confidence in state institutions.
CAGG also highlighted an "uncollaborative approach" by the Ghana Police Service, suggesting negligence and complicity in some jurisdictions. This lack of cooperation further hinders effective enforcement against illegal mining. The coalition's call for the President to fulfill a 2016 promise to designate the Atewa Range Forest Reserve as a National Park emphasizes the urgency of protecting vital natural resources.
Furthermore, CAGG demands the publication of investigations by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) into ruling government officials and the Professor Frimpong Boateng report. These reports are crucial for transparency and accountability in the fight against galamsey. The coalition also advocates for dedicated barriers to stop the movement of untracked excavators and the suspension of fuel sales to illegal operators by the National Petroleum Authority (NPA).
The continued prevalence of galamsey poses a severe threat to Ghana's future. The destruction of water sources and forests could lead to irreversible environmental damage and public health crises. CAGG's warning, "We either deal with this menace, or we perish, because without clean water, clean air and standing forests, we are done as a people," underscores the existential nature of this challenge. Decision-makers must respond decisively to these calls for stronger, more equitable enforcement to safeguard Ghana's natural heritage and economic future.