Coalition against illegal mining urges stronger enforcement, prosecution of galamsey kingpins
The Coalition Against Illegal Mining, led by Executive Director of the Ghana Chamber of Mines, Kenneth Ashigbey, has called on the government to intensify its fight against illegal mining (galamsey), insisting that the battle can only be won through fearless and impartial law enforcement across the country.
Addressing a press conference in Accra, Mr. Ashigbey said while government had made notable progress in tackling illegal mining, the situation on the ground remained worrying, with several forest reserves and water bodies still under severe threat from illegal miners.
He commended government for its June 24, 2026 decision to revoke Environmental Instrument (EI) 144, as amended by EI 234, describing the move as a bold step towards protecting Ghana’s forest reserves. According to him, the decision demonstrated government’s commitment to safeguarding the environment and prioritising the long-term welfare of citizens over short-term political interests.
Despite the progress, Mr. Ashigbey warned that many forest reserves continue to suffer from illegal mining activities, citing the Tano Offin, Draw River and other forest reserves as areas facing increasing encroachment. He appealed to government to equip the Forestry Commission with adequate resources and security support, including the establishment of protective camps within forest reserves to halt illegal mining.
The coalition also renewed its call on President John Dramani Mahama to fulfil his pledge to declare the Atewa Forest Reserve a national park, describing it as a lasting legacy that would secure a major source of drinking water for millions of Ghanaians.
Mr. Ashigbey rejected claims that the era of impunity in illegal mining had ended, arguing that illegal mining continues unabated in several parts of the country, particularly in the Eastern, Ashanti and Savannah regions. He cited recent clashes involving illegal miners, continued destruction of farmlands and water bodies, and mining activities near critical national assets as evidence that enforcement remains inconsistent.
The coalition further called for the arrest and prosecution of all individuals implicated in illegal mining, regardless of their political or social status, stressing that selective enforcement undermines the country’s efforts to combat galamsey.
It also accused the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) of failing to stop the sale of fuel to illegal mining operators despite earlier assurances and urged the regulator to enforce stricter controls to disrupt illegal mining operations.
On the operations of the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NIMOS), the coalition acknowledged its more than 2,000 enforcement operations but expressed concern over allegations of selective enforcement and reports that seized equipment was allegedly returned to illegal miners after unofficial payments. Mr. Ashigbey called on NIMOS to investigate the allegations and improve transparency by publishing records of complaints received and actions taken.
The coalition welcomed government’s deployment of over 2,000 Blue Water Guards to monitor and report illegal mining activities but maintained that surveillance alone would not be enough. It urged government to work closely with traditional authorities, security agencies and local communities to ensure that not only illegal miners on the ground but also the financiers and kingpins behind the operations are arrested and successfully prosecuted.
The coalition reiterated that protecting Ghana’s forests and water bodies requires sustained political will, effective law enforcement and equal application of the law to all persons involved in illegal mining.
Source: Ghana/otecfmghana.com/ Lenus Nti Dankwah
