The Ghana Coalition Against Galamsey (GCAG), an alliance of media, civil society organisations, professional bodies, and concerned citizens, acknowledges the positive actions and steps taken by HE the President, the Hon Minister for Lands and Natural Resources and the IGP in the renewed fight against illegal and irresponsible mining.
We are deeply concerned about inadequacies in some of the measures in the fight against galamsey – an existential threat. The Coalition, as the voice of the people, is particularly concerned about the alleged involvement of key government actors in the illegal and irresponsible mining business and the complicity of some security personnel. It is against this background that the Coalition wishes to bring to the attention of the state, government and Ghanaians the following:
- The Government Must Fulfil the Promise to Revoke L.I 2462
The government made a solemn vow to the people of Ghana: L.I. 2462, the legal instrument
that opened our forest reserves to mining, would be revoked, not amended, but scrapped
entirely.
This was communicated through several public declarations by His Excellency the
President himself, before and after the 2024 elections, and echoed by government officials,
including the Minister of State for Government Communications, the Minister of Communications, and the CEO of Goldbod, on April 23, 2025.
In fact, as recent as May 8, 2025, Prof. Jerry S.Y. Kuma, Special Advisor to the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, unequivocally stated: “The President has listened to the concerns of the citizenry and CSOs and has directed that the L.I. be revoked in its entirety.”
We are therefore disappointed that, although the promise was that the process to revoke the LI
2462 will begin immediately, Parliament resumes. However, to the best of our knowledge and
belief, there is no order of business of Parliament capturing this critical item.
In our considered view, this demonstrates a lack of commitment by the government to carry the revocation through and is a clear indication that the government is deliberately playing games with
citizens on this matter. Our demand for the revocation of LI 2462 still stands to safeguard
Ghana’s forest estates and the ecosystem services they provide for generations to come.
We will not accept an amendment that responds to the interests of certain individuals, not taking into account the interests of the nation. The LI 2462 must be revoked and with urgency. If the
President does not act, the Environmental Protection (Mining in Forest Reserves) (Amendment)
Regulations 2025 will mature and come into effect today.
As a people, our only recourse will be to continue our court case, this will be most unfortunate at a time when Ghanaians expect a true reset in governance. The Executive must not sit aloof while citizens are left to fate to fight for the future of the very country we entrusted into the hands of H.E., the President.
- End Police Complicity and Crush Impunity of Illegal Miners
We commend the IGP and his team for stepping up efforts to combat illegal mining. It is,
however, clear that the enforcement and compliance regime has cracks and needs to be fixed.
The Akomfere confrontation, where the police allegedly shielded Chinese nationals engaged
in galamsey, is not only a demonstration of the complicity of some law enforcement agents in
perpetuating this illegality but also a disgrace to the entire national security apparatus that
seems to favour foreigners caught in committing heinous crimes, particularly galamsey.
It is against this backdrop that we demand an immediate and transparent investigation, with all
complicit officers, from the District to Regional Command, interdicted and prosecuted.
We also demand public disclosure of all police transfers from galamsey zones as promised by
the IGP and the Interior Ministry. The seeming lapses in our law enforcement regime when it
comes to galamsey are not to say that our intelligence and preparedness to deal with armed
incursions are weak.
There is no justification why the illegal miners get away with all the
atrocities they are committing across the country, displacing farmers, destroying rivers, and
attacking public officers, both civilians and law enforcement agencies alike. The government
must stop the kid’s gloves approach and act decisively.
- Protect Forestry Commission Staff
Another matter of grave concern is the increasing violent attacks on Forestry Commission
Officers. The brazen, daylight attacks on these officers, even off-duty, are a national
embarrassment.
There is an urgent need to guarantee the safety of Forestry Commission officers, men and women who risk their lives daily to protect our forests. If, as the CEO of Goldbod declared, mining in forest reserves is “Haram” to this government, then the government must prove it. Repeal L.I. 2462. Arm our officers. Deal ruthlessly with apprehended offenders. End the impunity.
- We Demand a State of Emergency in the Required Areas Now!
The recent near-fatal attack on Dr. Hannah Louisa Bissiw following an illegal mining raid at
Bui Sobinso, as reported widely in the media on June 5, 2025, by armed thugs, is not an isolated
incident.
It is a symptom of a lawless epidemic within the mining zones. Gun-wielding gangs
now operate with terrifying boldness, and if this government does not act decisively, no one is
safe.
This justifies our long-standing demand for a state of emergency in critical mining zones,
enforced by military presence, drone surveillance, and asset freezes, to propose a few strategies.
Illegal mining areas, in our estimation, appear to have become training grounds for
mercenaries that threaten the national security and stability of our democracy.
So, a state of emergency will empower the security forces to nip this emerging national security threat in the bud. If this is not done urgently, the repercussions will be dire.
- Prosecute Politically Exposed Persons Engaging in Illegal Mining
We commend and are pleased with the Government’s move to arrest a director of Akonta
Mining Ltd, Mr Bernard Antwi Bioisako, after the Coalition’s press release.
It is crucial to complete this process by arresting and prosecuting all the directors of Akonta Mining Ltd. We have, however, observed and condemn resoundingly the alarming pattern of some officials
from the ruling NDC being involved in illegal mining.
After the unresolved case of Hon. Oscar Larbi (MP for Aowin), new reports implicate NDC Constituency Chairpersons in Axim and Dunkwa of being deeply involved in galamsey operations.
This hypocrisy is unacceptable.
While the NDC leadership, led by His Excellency the President,
publicly condemns illegal mining, the Hon. Minister of Lands and Natural Resources and the
Inspector General of Police have demonstrated positive action to deal with the scourge of
Galamsey. However, some of their local officials allegedly profit from it.
We demand: • Immediate investigation into the case of Hon. Oscar Larbi (MP for Aowin) and these two chairpersons by the Police and National Security, ensuring complete transparency and
no room for political protection;
- Public disciplinary action by the NDC if allegations are proven;
- Investigations into all mentioned in the Prof Frempong Boateng report and
- Transparent prosecution with no political protection.
Conclusion
The government must intensify its efforts in combating galamsey and refrain from justifying it
on the grounds of unemployment and revenue generation. There is absolutely no reason why
we are failing at this. This is not just about galamsey.
It is about the citizens’ trust in the government and about our survival. It is about leadership and the security of our nation. It is about whether this government will honour its word or continue to betray the very citizens it swore to protect.
It is about protecting our water bodies and forest reserves not just for our survival but also for that of our children and their children’s children. The weight of this responsibility cannot be overstated. God save our homeland, Ghana
