The Media Coalition Against Illegal Mining, led by Dr. Kenneth Ashigbey, has rejected the government’s claim that the era of impunity in the fight against illegal mining, locally known as galamsey, is over. Dr. Ashigbey stated that illegal mining activities continue to threaten Ghana’s forests, rivers, and mining communities. This assertion directly contradicts official pronouncements regarding the effectiveness of anti-galamsey measures.
The coalition acknowledges some government progress in tackling galamsey. However, it insists that more decisive action is needed to address ongoing illegal mining across the country. Dr. Ashigbey emphasized that the situation on the ground does not reflect an end to impunity. He made these remarks during a review of the Lands and Natural Resources Minister’s 2025 to 2026 Accountability Series presentation in Accra on Monday, July 20.
This ongoing debate highlights the persistent challenges Ghana faces in protecting its natural resources from illegal mining. Galamsey has significant economic implications, including environmental degradation, loss of agricultural land, and pollution of water bodies. The sector's informal nature also means lost tax revenue for the state, impacting public finance and development projects. Previous efforts to curb galamsey have often been met with resistance and allegations of political interference.
Dr. Ashigbey stated, “Ghana’s forests, rivers and mining communities are not protected by press releases. They are protected by sustained, fearless uniform enforcement, applied equally in every region, against every excavator, and irrespective of whose interests are behind it.” He commended the government for revoking EI 144, as amended by EI 234, which affected portions of the Achimota Forest. This decision was seen as a positive step towards prioritizing citizens’ wellbeing.
The coalition warned that significant work remains to protect Ghana’s forest reserves from illegal mining activities. They questioned the effectiveness of institutions leading the fight, specifically the National Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) and the Ghana Police Service. Dr. Ashigbey called for answers regarding allegations of misconduct within the anti-galamsey enforcement structure. This suggests a need for greater accountability and transparency within these key institutions.
The Coalition Against Galamsey Ghana is demanding stronger measures to protect forest reserves. These measures include providing more resources for the Forestry Commission. They also call for urgent action to prevent illegal miners from returning to cleared areas. The continued presence of illegal miners in previously cleared sites indicates a lack of sustained enforcement and monitoring.
Decision-makers and markets will closely watch the government’s response to these criticisms. The effectiveness of anti-galamsey efforts directly impacts Ghana’s environmental sustainability and economic stability. A failure to curb illegal mining could lead to further degradation of natural capital. It could also deter foreign investment in legitimate mining and other sectors. The integrity of enforcement agencies will also be under scrutiny.
The ongoing struggle against galamsey remains a critical issue for Ghana’s economic future. The government must demonstrate a clear commitment to sustained, impartial enforcement. This commitment is essential to protect the nation's resources and restore public trust. The next steps will involve strengthening institutional capacity and addressing corruption within the enforcement framework.