The Ghana Coalition Against Galamsey (GCAG) has challenged the presidency to name a single licensed small-scale mining company that is operating responsibly in the country.

The challenge follows President John Dramani Mahama’s remarks during the Presidential Media Encounter on Wednesday, where he defended the withdrawal of police from anti-galamsey operations, citing the difficulty of distinguishing legal miners from illegal ones.

In a statement, the Coalition dismissed the President’s claim as misplaced, arguing that the police had demonstrated courage in clamping down on illegal mining activities.

"His [President Mahama's] withdrawal of police forces and accusation that they cannot distinguish legal from illegal miners is misplaced. The IGP's men, though not perfect, were fearless and had brought the situation under control. We challenge the Presidency to name a single licensed small-scale mining entity that is mining responsibly on the ground,” the Coalition declared.

According to the group, the President’s statement that alternatives must be provided before chasing miners is compared to justifying and emboldening illegality.

“This is not the leadership expected for a country facing environmental suicide, contaminated cocoa exports, and rising health crises now and for our newborns,” they added.

The Coalition further raised concerns about the lack of resources for the newly introduced National Alternative and Illegal Mining Oversight Structure (NAIMOS), warning that without adequate funding and political backing, the institution would fail.

On the issue of a targeted state of emergency, the GCAG disagreed with government’s position, recalling that President Mahama himself had once joined civil society in calling for such a measure before his election. According to the group, conditions have worsened since then.