The Convenor of the Ghana Coalition Against Galamsey (GCAG), Kenneth Ashigbey, has called on President John Dramani Mahama to declare a state of emergency to tackle the escalating crisis of illegal small-scale mining (galamsey).

Speaking on TV3’s Big Issues programme on Friday, February 21, Mr Ashigbey expressed frustration over the government’s response, criticising the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, for merely highlighting the dangers of illegal mining without proposing concrete measures to address them.

Mr Ashigbey’s call comes in response to revelations by Minister Buah that 44 of Ghana’s 288 forest reserves are under severe threat, with nine completely overrun by heavily armed illegal miners.

“I am surprised the minister is just highlighting the problem when his role is to act. This is why we have consistently called for a state of emergency over our water bodies and forest reserves. If criminals have taken over nine forest reserves, it means part of our territory is under the control of armed groups, some of whom are foreigners," he stated.

He called for immediate military intervention, arguing that the Forestry Commission’s guards are under-equipped to handle the crisis.

“We have always known that our forest guards lack the necessary arms to counter these threats. The only solution is for the government to declare a state of emergency in these regions and deploy the military and police to take full control,” he insisted.

While acknowledging efforts by the military to seize excavators used in illegal mining, Ashigbey urged the government to track down and prosecute those financing and operating these activities.

“These excavators are evidence of a crime. Authorities must investigate who imported them, who purchased them, and who rented them out. All those involved must be held accountable,” he added.

Expressing disappointment in the government’s approach, Ashigbey criticised the slow response to the crisis.

“This is not the time for discussions and committees. The government must act decisively. When the president wanted to fight corruption, he didn’t form a committee first; he established the Office of the Special Prosecutor and took action. The same urgency is needed in tackling illegal mining.”

He also rebuked the Ashanti Regional Minister for issuing a two-week ultimatum to illegal miners instead of taking immediate action.

“Would he allow criminals to attack his home for two weeks before responding? This fight demands swift and decisive action,” he argued.

Mr Ashigbey reminded authorities that illegal mining is causing severe environmental destruction, contaminating Ghana’s water bodies and contributing to a rise in renal diseases due to toxic chemical exposure.

He stressed that no group should be allowed to be more powerful than the state and urged investigations into politically connected individuals allegedly involved in galamsey.

“There are allegations against a sitting MP and a constituency chairman regarding their involvement in galamsey. The government must investigate and take firm action,” he urged.

Reiterating the coalition’s demand for a state of emergency, Mr Ashigbey urged Mahama to make the fight against illegal mining a top priority, warning that failure to act decisively could result in the complete loss of Ghana’s natural resources to illegal miners.

Background

Minister of Lands and Natural Resources Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah recently disclosed in Parliament on February 20 that 44 of Ghana’s 288 forest reserves are under severe threat from heavily armed illegal miners.

He revealed that nine of these reserves have been completely overtaken, making it impossible for Forestry Commission officials to access the areas.

Describing the crisis as a national emergency with serious security and public health implications, the minister noted:

“Ghana’s forests are experiencing an unprecedented assault, driven largely by illegal mining activities.”

He also admitted that forest guards and the Forestry Commission’s rapid response team lack advanced weaponry, making it nearly impossible to counter the heavily armed illegal miners.

“These illegal miners are heavily armed with sophisticated weapons, making it extremely difficult for our forest guards and rapid response teams to counter them,” he stated.