Stakeholders in environmental sustainability are urging a comprehensive approach to fighting illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey.

This call comes just days after the government launched a crackdown on illegal miners operating in forest reserves, responding to mounting public pressure to address the issue.

At the Ghana Energy Transition Consortium (GETC) event in Accra on Tuesday, October 15, Kwaku Afari, Technical Director of the Wassa Association of Communities Affected by Mining (WACAM), emphasized that while government action is a step in the right direction, a more sustained and broader strategy is needed to effectively tackle the problem.

“We need sustained enforcement over this period, so as we address the illegalities going on in the sector,” Mr Afari stated at the event convened by the Strategic Youth Network for Development (SYND).

“But we also need to consider the broader responsibilities in the sector, including both illegal and legal operations—small-scale and large-scale mining alike. If we only focus on illegal miners today, while licensed small- and large-scale mining companies are also causing environmental harm and human rights violations, then the overall results will be limited.”

Mr Afari called for a holistic solution that addresses the root causes of mining-related environmental degradation and promotes long-term sustainability.

“We all have the right to live in a clean environment and have access to clean, potable water,” he added.

The event, a capacity-building workshop, brought together civil society organizations, financial institutions, faith leaders, and experts to assess the commitments of political parties toward energy transitions and environmental sustainability.

A Project Officer with the Civil Society Platform on Oil and Gas, Frank Bempong also advocated for continuous dialogue on energy transitions, regardless of the outcome of the upcoming elections.

“There are priority areas that focus on environmental sustainability and renewable energy. We recommend that the next political party in power should prioritize energy transition and environmental sustainability,” he said.

Mr Bempong also highlighted the potential for job creation through electric vehicle (EV) production, noting that companies like VW are already assembling EVs in Ghana.

“The next government should consider either implementing regulations or offering incentives to promote the internal production of electric vehicles, which can contribute to job creation and economic growth.”

The event underscored the need for a sustained and collaborative effort to address environmental challenges while supporting Ghana’s transition to cleaner energy solutions.

Executive Coordinator of SYND, Chibeze Ezekiel and Country organizer for Greenfaith Africa, Gifty Agbenyefia also made presentations to that effect.

Other GETC members such as CEDA, CSPOG, Kasa Initiative Ghana were present.