The Convener of the Media Coalition Against Illegal Mining, Dr Kenneth Ashigbey, has rejected the government’s claim that the era of impunity in the fight against illegal mining (galamsey) is over, insisting that illegal mining activities continue to threaten Ghana’s forests, rivers and mining communities.

The coalition says although the government has made some progress in tackling galamsey, more decisive action is needed to address what it describes as continued illegal mining activities across the country.

Speaking at a review of the Lands and Natural Resources Minister’s 2025 to 2026 Accountability Series presentation on Monday, July 20, in Accra, Dr Ashigbey said the situation on the ground does not reflect an end to impunity.

“Ghana’s forests, rivers and mining communities are not protected by press releases. They are protected by sustained, fearless uniform enforcement, applied equally in every region, against every excavator, and irrespective of whose interests are behind it,” he said.

Ken Ashigbey acknowledged the government’s decision to revoke EI 144 as amended by EI 234, which affected portions of the Achimota Forest, describing it as a positive step.

“We commend the government for choosing citizens’ wellbeing and intergenerational benefit over short-term political expediency.”

However, he warned that more work remains to protect Ghana’s forest reserves from illegal mining activities.

The coalition also questioned the effectiveness of institutions leading the fight against illegal mining, particularly the National Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) and the Ghana Police Service.

Ken Ashigbey called for answers on allegations of misconduct within the anti-galamsey enforcement structure.

The Coalition Against Galamsey Ghana is also demanding stronger measures to protect forest reserves, including more resources for the Forestry Commission and urgent action to prevent illegal miners from returning to cleared areas.