The Civil Society Organizations (CSO) Alliance in Ghana has called on President John Mahama to issue a definitive directive banning illegal mining, locally known as galamsey.
At a press conference held on Wednesday, January 22, 2025, the Alliance outlined a series of recommendations to tackle the crisis, emphasizing the need for urgent and robust action to protect Ghana’s environment and communities.
Dr. Steve Manteaw, Chairman of the CSO Alliance, urged President Mahama to take a strong stance against galamsey.
“We call on the president to make a bold statement or issue a directive with respect to sustaining the fight against galamsey.
“Such a declaration would send a strong signal that Ghana is serious about addressing this issue and repairing the damaged environment for future generations.”
Dr. Steve Manteaw, Chairman of the CSO Alliance
Illegal mining continues to devastate Ghana’s environment, particularly its water bodies and forest reserves. Water treatment plants struggle to process highly polluted water sources, while deforestation caused by mining operations accelerates habitat destruction and climate change impacts.
Beyond environmental damage, galamsey undermines Ghana’s economy. The country loses significant revenue due to unregulated mining and exportation of gold, while local communities suffer from unsafe working conditions and the destruction of arable land.
The Alliance highlighted the need for the President to issue a directive to halt all illegal mining activities, sending a clear message to those flouting mining laws.
The Alliance further urged the repeal of the Environmental Protection (Mining in Forest Reserves) Regulation 2022 (L.I. 2462), which it argued has facilitated environmental degradation.
“District and Regional Security Councils (DISEC and REGSEC) should be empowered to enforce bans effectively, addressing galamsey at its roots in local communities.
“The President should expedite the prosecution of illegal miners by creating special courts to handle galamsey cases, ensuring swift and effective justice.”
Dr. Steve Manteaw, Chairman of the CSO Alliance
While the government has taken steps to address galamsey, including deploying security forces to protect water bodies, progress has been slow and inconsistent. The CSO Alliance noted that enforcement alone is insufficient without addressing the systemic issues that enable illegal mining.
Addressing Corruption in Mining Licensing
Dr. Manteaw emphasized the link between galamsey and corruption, particularly in the allocation of mining licenses. Rent-seeking and corrupt practices, he noted, have contributed to the proliferation of illegal mining.
The Alliance recommended stringent anti-corruption measures, including “Enhancing transparency in mining license allocations, implementing robust auditing processes for mining operations and adopting digital systems to reduce human discretion in regulatory processes.”
The CSO Alliance underscored the importance of political will in combating galamsey. Dr. Manteaw warned that any perceived hesitation or inconsistency by the government could embolden illegal miners and undermine public confidence in the administration’s commitment to resolving the crisis.
“Without strong leadership and sustained action, the fight against galamsey risks becoming a revolving door of temporary fixes,” Dr. Manteaw noted.
The Alliance also stressed the need for a nonpartisan approach to the issue, urging politicians to prioritize environmental and national interests over political expediency.
The CSO Alliance also called for greater involvement of local communities in the fight against galamsey. By empowering traditional leaders, community groups, and civil society organizations, the government can ensure a more inclusive and sustainable approach to tackling the crisis.
The Alliance again urged the government to invest in alternative livelihoods for communities dependent on illegal mining, providing economic incentives to transition to sustainable activities.
The CSO Alliance’s call to action reflects the growing urgency of addressing the galamsey crisis in Ghana. With environmental degradation reaching critical levels and corruption undermining regulatory systems, decisive leadership from President Mahama is seen as essential to reversing these trends.
By adopting a multifaceted strategy that includes enforcement, anti-corruption measures, community engagement, and sustainable development initiatives, Ghana can chart a path toward resolving the galamsey menace and securing a healthier, more sustainable future.
The ball is now in the government’s court to demonstrate its commitment to protecting Ghana’s natural resources for current and future generations.
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