The Ghana Coalition Against Galamsey (GCAG) has called on President John Dramani Mahama to take decisive action against illegal mining, urging him to name and sanction district-level officials allegedly failing to curb the menace.

In a statement issued on 28 March, the coalition warned that Ghana’s fight against galamsey is faltering, despite what it described as an initially promising start by the government.

It said assessments on the ground, coupled with public statements by officials, suggest that progress in tackling illegal mining has been limited.

The group expressed concern over the continued destruction of water bodies and forest reserves, noting that illegal miners remain active even in areas designated as protected “red zones”.

Rivers such as the Ankobra, Birim, Pra and Ofin, it said, continue to suffer pollution, posing serious environmental and public health risks.

GCAG also criticised what it described as weak enforcement of existing laws, highlighting the absence of sanctions against Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs), despite earlier assurances that the fight against galamsey would be a key performance benchmark for them.

“Not a single DCE or MCE has faced consequences. Name them! Sanction them! Remove them!” the coalition demanded.

The group further questioned the status of investigations into alleged political involvement in illegal mining, including a case involving the Amansie Central District Chief Executive, and called for transparency and accountability in addressing such allegations.

GCAG is therefore demanding urgent measures, including the suspension of small-scale mining licences, intensified enforcement operations, and increased resourcing for institutions such as the Forestry Commission and the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat.

It also urged the government to publish regular water quality data to keep the public informed.

The coalition stressed that, without firm political will and time-bound interventions, efforts to combat illegal mining will continue to fall short, warning that the environmental damage could have long-term consequences for the country.