The Coalition Against Galamsey, Ghana (GCAG), has condemned the recent violent attack on the Director of operations and other officers of the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Squad (NAIMOS).
The Coalition in a resolute and unequivocal response, also called for immediate and decisive action to address this grave affront to national security, democratic governance, and the rule of law.
The Coalition strongly emphasised that, any aggression against the allied security personnel constitute aggression against the State and the collective future of Ghanaian citizens.
This blatant attack on law enforcement officers entrusted with the constitutional mandate to protect the environment and public interest has rightly been deemed as affront to the nation’s effort to combat the illegal mining.
“Reports indicating that a sitting Member of Parliament allegedly mobilised or encouraged community members in the Asutifi North area to obstruct and physically confront state officials constitute a grave affront to national security, democratic governance, and the rule of law.”
Coalition Against Galamsey, Ghana
Ending the Activities of Illegal Mining
Galamsey has long been a scourge plaguing Ghana’s natural resources and the livelihoods of the citizens.
The Coalition’s statement also emphasized that these illicit activities have inflicted catastrophic ecological and socio-economic harm on the country, with rivers polluted with mercury and heavy metals, forests degraded, and the livelihoods of present and future generations under severe threat.
The group’s continued commitment to addressing this crisis underscores the urgency of this environmental terrorism.
The concerned civil organisations like the Coalition Against Galamsey, have been championing the fight against illegal mining.
These civil society groups played a crucial role in raising awareness, advocating for policy changes, and holding the government accountable in its efforts to combat the environmental and socioeconomic devastation caused by galamsey.
The Coalition’s swift and forceful response to the attack on NAIMOS officers once again exemplifies their dedication to safeguarding the nation’s natural resources and the rule of law.
Demands for Immediate Accountability
The Coalition’s statement further laid out a comprehensive set of demands for urgent and coordinated state action.
“The Coalition Against Galamsey direct a thorough and independent investigation into the attack to ensure a transparent and impartial inquiry into the incident, with findings made public, and with accountability pursued regardless of the political position of any individual involved.”
Coalition Against Galamsey, Ghana
The group also urged Parliament to “initiate an internal disciplinary and ethics inquiry into the alleged conduct of the Member of Parliament” and for the security agencies to arrest and prosecute perpetrators of the assault.
The Coalition has rightly identified political interference as a critical obstacle in the fight against illegal mining.
“Political interference in lawful enforcement processes is an unacceptable betrayal of public trust. Mobilising citizens to shield criminal mining operations is not political representation. It is complicity in environmental destruction, economic sabotage, and the erosion of lawful authority,” the group warned.
The group’s call for accountability, regardless of political positions, demonstrates the need for a truly impartial and effective approach to tackling this crisis.
Security Capability
The Coalition’s demand for the government to strengthen the security personnel and other enforcement units working in high-risk mining areas by equipping them with the logistics to prevent further attacks and safeguard lives.
This call highlights the crucial role of robust security measures in protecting those on the frontlines of the battle against illegal mining.
This emphasis on safeguarding the well-being of enforcement officers is essential for ensuring the sustainability and effectiveness of anti-galamsey operations.
The Coalition’s also made a powerful call to action, emphasizing that “Ghana cannot win the fight against galamsey if elements entrusted with public authority undermine enforcement and foster impunity.”
The Coalition also insisted that this attack cannot be normalised or excused and that the government must act firmly and transparently to protect the officers, safeguard the country’s natural heritage, and defend the rule of law
These demands resonate as a clarion call for the nation to stand united in this critical endeavor to end the activities of irresponsible mining.
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