The Ghana Coalition Against Galamsey (GCAG), a broad alliance of media organisations, civil society groups, professional associations, and concerned citizens, has called on the government to fulfil its promises and intensify the fight against illegal and irresponsible mining, warning that the very survival of the nation is at stake.

In a press statement issued on Thursday, June 19, the coalition acknowledged “positive actions and steps” taken by President John Dramani Mahama, the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, and the Inspector General of Police in the renewed anti-galamsey campaign.

However, it expressed grave concern about the inadequacies in current measures and the apparent lack of political will to see through key commitments.

LI 2462: A Promise Unkept

At the heart of the coalition’s concerns is the government’s failure to revoke Legislative Instrument (LI) 2462, which permits mining in forest reserves. The Coalition recalled multiple public assurances by the President and senior government officials, including a clear directive as recently as May 2025, promising the LI’s complete revocation.

“It was not to be amended but scrapped entirely,” the statement read.

“We are therefore disappointed that although the President promised revocation would commence immediately after Parliament resumed, there is no indication that it is even on the order of business.”

The Coalition described this as a “clear indication that the government is deliberately playing games with citizens on this matter”, insisting that nothing short of a full revocation will be accepted.

Police Complicity and Impunity

GCAG also condemned the complicity of some security officers in illegal mining activities.

Referring to a recent incident in Akomfere, where police were alleged to have shielded Chinese nationals engaged in galamsey, the Coalition demanded immediate investigations, interdictions, and prosecutions of officers found culpable.

“The enforcement and compliance regime has cracks and needs to be fixed,” the group stated, calling for public disclosure of all police transfers from galamsey-prone zones and decisive action against illegal miners who “displace farmers, destroy rivers, and attack public officials.”

Protection for Forestry Officers

Citing rising attacks on Forestry Commission officers — even off duty — GCAG described the situation as “a national embarrassment” and urged the state to provide armed protection for those risking their lives to defend Ghana’s forest reserves.

“If mining in forest reserves is truly ‘haram’ to this government, then it must prove it: repeal LI 2462, arm our officers, and end the impunity,” the Coalition charged.

Call for a State of Emergency

In the wake of recent violent attacks, including an armed assault on Dr Hannah Louisa Bissiw at Bui Sobinso on 5 June 2025, the Coalition renewed its call for a state of emergency in illegal mining zones.

“These areas appear to have become training grounds for mercenaries threatening national stability,” the statement read.

GCAG proposed military deployment, drone surveillance, and asset freezes as part of a robust response to restore order.

Politically Exposed Persons Must Be Prosecuted

The coalition welcomed the arrest of a director of Akonta Mining Ltd, but demanded the prosecution of all directors involved.

It also expressed outrage over reports implicating officials from the ruling NDC, including MP for Aowin Oscar Larbi and party chairpersons in Axim and Dunkwa, in illegal mining operations.

“This hypocrisy is unacceptable,” the group stated, calling for transparent investigations and swift disciplinary action.

A National Test of Integrity

GCAG also delivered a sobering warning: “This is not just about galamsey. It is about the citizens’ trust in the government. It is about our survival. It is about leadership and the security of our nation.”

Reiterating the urgency of protecting Ghana’s natural resources for future generations, the Coalition declared: “The weight of this responsibility cannot be overstated. God save our homeland, Ghana.”

The GCAG vowed to continue pressing its demands through legal means if necessary, signalling that civil society will not relent in its campaign for environmental justice and national accountability.