The Ghana Coalition Against Galamsey (GCAG) has expressed disappointment in President Mahama’s response to the withdrawal of police officers from galamsey sites, saying the development has rather exacerbated the issue.
During the Presidential Media Encounter on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, the President told journalists that the security personnel who had previously patrolled the mining sites could not differentiate between small-scale miners and illegal miners, which is why they had to be withdrawn.
But, the Coalition, in a Thursday, September 11, 2025, statement dismissed the President’s claim, arguing that the police had demonstrated courage in clamping down on illegal mining activities.
“His [President Mahama’s] withdrawal of police forces and accusation that they cannot distinguish legal from illegal miners is misplaced. The IGP’s men, though not perfect, were fearless and had brought the situation under control. We challenge the Presidency to name a single licensed small-scale mining entity that is mining responsibly on the ground,” stated the Coalition.
The statement also added that the President’s assertion that there are other options to be explored before declaring a state of emergency is tantamount to endorsing the practice and emboldening illegal miners.
“This is not the leadership expected for a country facing environmental suicide, contaminated cocoa exports, and rising health crises now and for our newborns,” they added.
The Coalition further raised concerns about the lack of resources for the newly introduced National Alternative and Illegal Mining Oversight Structure (NAIMOS), warning that without adequate funding and political backing, the institution would fail.
On the issue of a targeted state of emergency, the GCAG disagreed with government’s position, recalling that President Mahama himself had once joined civil society in calling for such a measure before his election. According to the group, conditions have worsened since then.
