GloMeF Criticizes Government Indecisiveness on Galamsey
The Global Media Foundation (GloMeF) has strongly criticised Ghana's government for its indecisive approach to fighting illegal mining, popularly known as 'galamsey'. The human rights and media advocacy group stated that despite the establishment of the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS), illegal mining continues to devastate farmlands, water bodies, and vegetation.
This criticism comes as Ghana marks World Environment Day on June 5th, 2026. GloMeF regrets that the nation's ongoing efforts are not aggressive or coordinated enough to combat these environmental crimes. Raphael Godlove Ahenu, GloMeF's Founder and CEO, highlighted that the continued open operation of illegal miners questions the effectiveness of NAIMOS. He warned that if NAIMOS cannot control illegal mining or protect natural resources, its purpose becomes hard to justify.
Ghana's economic landscape is significantly impacted by galamsey. Valuable resources are plundered, leading to environmental degradation that hinders long-term economic sustainability. Reports indicate widespread pollution of vital water bodies, essential for both human consumption and agriculture. Furthermore, large tracts of fertile land, crucial for food production, are destroyed, posing a serious threat to national food security. This environmental damage can also impact Ghana's biodiversity and the livelihoods of many citizens.
GloMeF's statement, released on June 8, 2026, also noted the severe threat galamsey poses to public health and the future well-being of younger generations. The organisation is calling for stronger political will from the government. It insists that all individuals arrested for alleged involvement in galamsey must face prosecution. This prosecution should proceed regardless of their political connections or social standing. Supporting calls for collective responsibility, GloMeF urged chiefs, queens, civil society groups, religious leaders, and local communities to actively participate in environmental protection efforts.
The foundation stressed that safeguarding Ghana's natural resources is a duty for everyone. It should not fall solely on government institutions. In their message for World Environment Day, GloMeF urged all stakeholders to renew their commitment to environmental preservation. They specifically mentioned the need to protect depleted forests, river bodies, and ecosystems. The organisation pointed out that the celebration of World Environment Day should not be just a ceremonial event. It should serve as a crucial reminder of the impact current actions have on the country's future. GloMeF is pushing for concrete measures beyond mere discussions, demanding effective strategies to tackle galamsey and restore degraded lands and natural resources.