President of IMANI Africa, Franklin Cudjoe, has urged the government to move beyond dialogue and take decisive action to tackle the illegal mining crisis (galamsey), warning that the time for endless discussions has long passed.

His remarks come in response to President John Dramani Mahama’s invitation to leading civil society organisations (CSOs) for a high-level meeting at the Jubilee House on Friday, October 3, 2025, at 12:00 noon. The engagement is expected to bring together CSOs and government officials to deliberate on lasting solutions to the environmental and social destruction caused by galamsey activities across the country.

Speaking on JoyNews’ News Desk, Mr Cudjoe welcomed the attention being given to the issue but questioned the purpose and timing of the meeting.

“I want to believe it’s not going to be a talkshop, because I think what we need right now is action,” he stated.

He further expressed doubt about the government’s intentions. “Frankly, I don’t understand why the meeting is being held. I don’t know whether it’s meant to ask for our views or opinions on what else to do.”

• Read also: Galamsey Fight: Mahama engages civil society leaders on October 3

Mr Cudjoe added that it remained unclear whether the government was genuinely seeking new insights or merely attempting to show symbolic solidarity with civil society.

“Maybe the President wants to hear whatever we have to say. But we’ve been having front-facing discussions ever since this matter came to the fore. Even the NDC during the last election campaigned vigorously against the menace.”

He also addressed growing calls for a state of emergency in galamsey-affected areas, cautioning against blanket measures that may prove impractical or politically unfeasible.

“Apart from this whole idea of declaring a state of emergency, frankly speaking, I’m beginning to think we can’t have a total blanket state of emergency like that. We need to put things into proper perspective.”