The Coalition of Concerned Citizens Against Galamsey is set to submit a formal petition to the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources today, October 4, as part of its ongoing campaign against illegal mining, also known as galamsey.

This comes as the group enters the second day of its three-day protest to highlight the destructive effects of galamsey on Ghana’s environment and push for stronger government action.

The protest, which began on Thursday, October 3, has been organized under the slogans “#FreeTheCitizens” and “#SayNoToGalamsey.”

These slogans reflect the group's call for protecting Ghana’s natural resources, including waterbodies and forest reserves, which are increasingly being harmed by illegal mining activities.

The coalition is urging citizens to demand immediate and effective measures to combat the widespread environmental damage caused by galamsey.

On day two of the demonstration, the group will present a petition to the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, outlining their concerns and recommendations for tackling illegal mining.

The coalition believes that despite previous government efforts, more decisive action is needed to address the crisis and safeguard the country’s ecological future.

Their petition will call for a comprehensive review of policies and stronger enforcement of laws aimed at curbing illegal mining.

Convener of the coalition, Brownson Adatsi, has called on the public to join the movement, stressing that protecting Ghana’s environment is a collective responsibility.

He emphasised the urgent need to preserve waterbodies and forest reserves, which are vital to the country’s sustainability but are currently under serious threat due to illegal mining operations.

He further encouraged citizens to take a stand in defense of their natural heritage.

“We will be petitioning the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources on Friday [October 4]. And on Saturday [October 5], we will be doing the same thing, but then the terminating point will have to be Independence Square. And then that [on Saturday] night, there would be a vigil."

“This galamsey is not just illegal mining but it is a deliberate attempt to destroy our resources, our water, our land, and our future by just a select few."

“So we all need to come together because the problem is not discriminating. The problem will not affect some people and leave others," he said.