A coalition of civil society organizations (CSOs) has issued an urgent call for decisive action against illegal mining, highlighting the failure of leadership and weak enforcement of Ghana’s mineral and mining laws.
The coalition, comprising A Rocha Ghana, Kasa Initiative Ghana, Nature and Development Foundation, and Concerned Citizens of Atewa Landscape, raised alarm over the escalating destruction caused by illegal mining.
The group demanded immediate government intervention to prevent further environmental degradation and lawlessness in the sector.
“We, the undersigned civil society organizations, environmental advocates, and concerned citizens, hereby issue this press statement to urgently address the escalating issues of illegal mining, environmental degradation, and the failure of regulatory enforcement in Ghana.”
Coalition of CSOs
One of the key demands of the coalition is the immediate revocation of the Environmental Protection (Mining in Forest Reserves) Regulation, 2022 (LI 2462), which they argue has legalized the destruction of Ghana’s forests.
“Previous and present governments agree that L. I 2462 is counterproductive to our sustainable development and must be revoked. There is therefore no reason why this law continues to exist in our statute books. Legislative Instrument 2462 must be revoked with immediate effect and all mining concessions issued for forest reserves in Ghana revoked as well.”
Coalition of CSOs
The coalition insisted that mining in forest reserves undermines decades of conservation and contradicts the country’s environmental commitments.
End the Abuse of Tributer Mining Leases
The CSOs also called for a complete ban on the tributer mining lease allocation regime, citing a lack of monitoring and rampant abuse.
They proposed the online publication of all tributer mining permits, along with corresponding identification tokens and codes, to enhance transparency and allow affected communities to verify legal operations. “There is therefore an urgent need for improved monitoring and compliance for all mining licenses that permit tributer arrangements.”
Additionally, they demanded that the Minerals Commission and Environmental Protection Authority assess the activities of Nawara and Akooko Mining Companies to determine whether they are operating within legal frameworks.
The coalition warned that these companies’ activities in the Bunso area pose severe risks to water supply systems and academic research facilities.
A major concern raised by the coalition is the failure of law enforcement agencies to tackle illegal mining.
They cited a recent incident where a Forestry Commission staff member was manhandled and detained for attempting to prevent illegal mining in the Atewa Forest.
“The recent arrest, manhandling, and detention of a Forestry Commission staff, a member of the Rapid Response Task Force, for preventing illegal mining in the Atewa Forest around the Obuoho area constitutes an abuse of power and demoralizes other state agencies with supportive functions.”
Coalition of CSOs
They also condemned the actions of the police force in Kyebi, which, instead of addressing illegal mining, arrested public officers working to prevent it.
According to the CSOs, this misuse of power emboldens illegal miners and weakens law enforcement efforts.
Replace Ineffective Leadership in the Eastern Region
The coalition further called for the immediate replacement of Eastern-South Police Commander DCOP George Boadi Bossman and ACP Reynolds Sam, the Divisional Police Commander, for their failure to curb illegal mining activities in the region.
The debate over whether to burn or confiscate excavators used in illegal mining has been ongoing.
While some stakeholders believe burning is an effective deterrent, the coalition argues that confiscation should be prioritized, provided the Forestry Commission is adequately resourced.
“To eliminate the need for burning excavators, the government must provide the Forestry Commission with the necessary tools, resources, and financial support to effectively monitor, regulate, and combat illegal mining activities.”
Coalition of CSOs
They insist that without adequate investment in enforcement agencies, illegal mining will continue to deplete Ghana’s natural resources.
New Leadership for the Minerals Commission
The coalition also called for a leadership overhaul at the Minerals Commission.
They argued that the current leadership has failed to ensure responsible mining practices and protect communities from environmental destruction.
“The current leadership of the Minerals Commission has failed to ensure responsible mining practices that safeguard social and environmental protections across the country.”
Coalition of CSOs
They urged the government to appoint a new executive director who will prioritize transparency, accountability, and stricter enforcement of mining regulations.
The CSOs believe that past and present strategies to combat illegal mining have been ineffective.
They stressed that the government must abandon failed approaches and adopt bold, decisive measures.
“Now, with the baton back in the hands of an NDC-led government, it is clear that we cannot win this battle using yesterday’s strategies, failed leadership, or kid-glove approaches.”
Coalition of CSOs
They argued that illegal miners have held Ghana’s natural resources hostage for far too long, and only a zero-tolerance approach will bring lasting change.
“The time for half-measures is over. We demand a new era of leadership in key agencies, robust enforcement of laws, and a relentless commitment to safeguarding Ghana’s environment and future.”
Coalition of CSOs
The coalition warned that anything less will perpetuate the cycle of environmental destruction and worsen the plight of affected communities.
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