The Ghana Coalition Against Galamsey (GCAG) has issued a powerful call to action following the alarming deterioration of Ghana’s water bodies, exacerbated by illegal mining activities, or galamsey.
Convenor Kenneth Ashigbey, speaking on behalf of the coalition, urged the government to declare a state of emergency and take immediate and decisive measures to address this escalating environmental and security crisis.
The urgency of the situation was underscored by a Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL) report in August 2024, which revealed a drastic decline in water quality at the Sekyere Hemang Water Treatment Plant.
“Turbidity levels soared to 14,000 nephelometric turbidity units (NTU), vastly exceeding the World Health Organization (WHO) maximum permissible level of 5 NTU.
“These shocking figures highlight the dire consequences of unregulated mining activities on Ghana’s water resources.”
Ghana Coalition Against Galamsey (GCAG)
In response to the growing crisis, a broad coalition of stakeholders came together in September 2024 to form the GCAG.
Comprising media organizations, civil society groups, labour unions, faith-based organizations, professional bodies, and youth groups, the coalition provides a unified platform for advocacy against galamsey.
“Our efforts led to the government suspending the operationalisation of L.I. 2462 and introducing enhanced measures, including deploying 100 military officers to protect selected water bodies and enforcing the arrest of illegal miners.
“We also secured the signing of a pledge to fight Galamsey by eight of the presidential candidates, including His Excellency President John D. Mahama, at the just-ended national elections.”
Ghana Coalition Against Galamsey (GCAG)
Despite these efforts, galamsey activities have surged since the December 2024 elections, as illegal miners exploit perceived governmental inaction. Recent tragedies in Ntrotroso and Obuasi underscore the severity of the situation and its potential threat to national security.
The coalition expressed concern about the government’s slow response, noting that the lack of immediate and forceful action could worsen the crisis.
Government’s Initial Response
The Mahama administration has included addressing galamsey in its 120-day agenda. However, the coalition is pressing for more immediate actions, including issuing a cease-and-desist order to all illegal miners.
Such a measure, they argue, would signal the government’s commitment to resolving the crisis while comprehensive strategies are developed.
“This decisive measure is crucial to demonstrate the government’s commitment to combating this menace and protecting our environment, especially as comprehensive strategies are being developed.
“We will launch additional advocacy initiatives in the coming weeks. We urge all Ghanaians and political leaders to remain steadfast in this fight.”
Ghana Coalition Against Galamsey (GCAG)
The GCAG emphasized the importance of collective action, urging all Ghanaians to rally behind efforts to end galamsey. “The urgency of addressing this issue now is greater than ever,” the coalition stated, highlighting the critical need for political will and community engagement.
The fight against galamsey is at a critical juncture. The GCAG’s demands reflect the deep frustration of stakeholders with the environmental, economic, and security threats posed by illegal mining. The onus now lies on the government to demonstrate decisive leadership and take bold steps to protect Ghana’s natural resources for future generations.
By addressing galamsey head-on, Ghana has the opportunity to restore its degraded ecosystems, safeguard its water bodies, and uphold the rule of law, ensuring sustainable development for all its citizens.
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