The Ghana Coalition Against Galamsey (GCAG) is calling on John Dramani Mahama to take tougher action against illegal mining, urging him to name and sanction district-level officials accused of failing to address the problem.
In a statement issued on March 28, the coalition warned that Ghana’s fight against galamsey appears to be losing momentum, despite what it described as a promising start by the current administration.
According to the group, field assessments and public comments by officials suggest that progress in tackling illegal mining has been limited.
GCAG expressed concern over the continued destruction of water bodies and forest reserves, noting that illegal mining activities persist even in designated protected “red zones.” Rivers such as the Ankobra River, Birim River, Pra River and Ofin River continue to suffer pollution, raising serious environmental and public health concerns.
The coalition also criticised what it described as weak enforcement of existing laws, pointing to the lack of sanctions against Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs), despite earlier assurances that their performance would be tied to the anti-galamsey campaign.
“Not a single DCE or MCE has faced consequences. Name them! Sanction them! Remove them!” the group demanded.
It further questioned the status of investigations into alleged political involvement in illegal mining, including a case linked to the Amansie Central District, and called for greater transparency and accountability.
GCAG is urging the government to take immediate steps, including suspending small-scale mining licences, intensifying enforcement operations, and increasing support for institutions such as the Forestry Commission and the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat.
The group also called for the regular publication of water quality data to keep the public informed.
It warned that without firm political will and clear, time-bound actions, the fight against illegal mining risks falling short, with potentially lasting consequences for Ghana’s environment.