Convener of the One Ghana Movement and trustee of the Ghana Coalition Against Galamsey, Senyo Hosi, has urged the government to adopt a tougher, more ruthless approach to end illegal mining (galamsey), following a violent clash between residents and National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) officers.

The incident occurred on Saturday, November 1, at Bronikrom near Hwidiem, where more than 600 residents reportedly confronted officers deployed to enforce anti-illegal mining operations. Vehicles, including that of the local Chief Imam, were vandalised.

Speaking on JoyNews’ Newsfile on Saturday, November 8, Mr Hosi said existing measures are insufficient and warned that the situation requires decisive action.

“We suggested a state of emergency for a reason,” he said. “If civil society reaches the point where it accepts that option, it tells you we are in a desperate situation. This is the most important fight our commander-in-chief will have to fight. We are losing.”

Mr Hosi said the problem has reached a scale that demands forceful coordination and stronger political will.

“What is happening is a coordination problem. Maybe the number of people that showed up—NAIMOS could have overpowered them. At this juncture, we should all realise it needs some brutal ruthlessness," he stated.

"President John Mahama is too nice a man,” he said, adding that Ghana has not seen a president as strong in this fight since Nkrumah or Rawlings.

He warned that without urgent and robust action, illegal miners will consolidate control over affected areas, undermining the state’s authority and devastating communities and the environment.