The Ghana Coalition Against Galamsey has, in a statement issued by its convener, Kenneth Ashigbey, told President John Dramani Mahama to declare a statement of emergency over the illegal small-scale mining (Galamsey) menace.
The coalition notes that the perpetrators of galamsey have exploited perceived leadership and governmental silence on the matter, leading to an increase in illegal mining activities. "The tragic incidents at Ntrotroso and Obuasi a few days back, - whatever will be the outcome of an official independent investigation called by HE President Mahama, which we fully support - are a timely reminder that this problem is an explosive threat to national security and cohesion," the statement said.
It added "We are open for discussion to resolve the issue of illegal and irresponsible mining; however, our position remains: The President must declare a state of emergency over our water bodies & get the military to clear everyone found on the water bodies (mining on the water bodies is illegal) "All planned and active mining concessions overlapping with river buffers should be abrogated, and all mining activities within 100 meters buffer of all rivers and streams should be halted immediately by the President.
Failure of which the President must implement the full force of Act 995 without fear or favour of political colour and status in society. "Almost all water bodies take their sources from the forest reserves, so all entry permits given to mine in protected globally significant biodiversity areas (GSBAs) must also be abrogated." Below is the full statement… The urgency to address the galamsey menace was significantly heightened following alarming reports in August 2024 from the Ghana Water Company Limited.
