The Convener of the Media Coalition Against Illegal Mining, Dr. Kenneth Ashigbey, has called for the deployment of the full military force to combat illegal mining (galamsey), describing it as a national security threat that requires urgent and decisive action.

Dr. Ashigbey stressed that Ghana must go beyond stakeholder engagements and policy revisions to reclaim its lands and forests from illegal miners.

In an interview on JoyNews' The Probe on Sunday, March 16, he insisted that declaring a state of emergency was necessary to effectively tackle the crisis.

He also cited instances where illegal miners have grown bolder in their activities, operating with impunity even in the presence of security forces.

“Just look at the evidence before us. These criminals were able to attack journalists, destroy their equipment, and still carry illegal weapons, even with police officers present. These are not people we can handle with kid gloves. This is war, and we must respond accordingly.”

Dr. Ashigbey urged the government to deploy all branches of the military to counter the growing menace.

“We need to unleash the full force of our military. The Air Force must fly reconnaissance missions over illegal mining areas, the Navy must secure our water bodies, and the Army must be on the ground taking direct action,” he emphasised.

He also warned that if galamsey operators continue unchecked, they could expand beyond forest reserves and start taking over entire districts, seizing control of local resources and escalating security risks.