The Ghana Coalition Against Galamsey (GCAG) has raised fresh concerns that the national campaign against illegal mining, widely known as galamsey, is faltering, with implications for agriculture and investor confidence.
In a statement issued, GCAG said its ground‑level assessment and official pronouncements suggest that the government’s early efforts have yet to yield meaningful progress in curbing environmental degradation linked to unregulated mining.
The coalition highlighted ongoing destruction of river systems and forest reserves, factors it says are intensifying risks to public health and undermining long‑term agricultural productivity. Despite government designation of certain forest areas as protected “red zones,” illegal mining continues unabated, with thousands of hectares reported to be degraded.
GCAG’s critique extends to enforcement, describing the weak enforcement of existing laws and a lack of consequences for local officials accused of complicity in mining activities. The group pointed out that none of the district chief executives (DCEs) or municipal chief executives (MCEs) flagged in investigations has been sanctioned, questioning the state’s follow‑through on earlier commitments.
The persistence of galamsey presents a significant operational risk for agriculture investors. Illegal mining’s impact on water quality and land cover degrades soil fertility and increases production costs, while contamination of waterways threatens irrigation infrastructure and on‑farm water supplies. Independent analyses have documented extensive land cover change and environmental harm attributable to illegal mining practices across key farming regions.
GCAG is urging the administration of President John Dramani Mahama to adopt urgent, time‑bound interventions, including a halt to new small‑scale mining licences, enhanced resourcing for regulatory agencies such as the Forestry Commission and the National Anti‑Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat, and regular publication of water quality data.
The ability to protect agricultural value chains and maintain investor confidence hinges on restoring the rule of law and ensuring that environmental safeguards are enforced consistently. Clarity on regulatory enforcement and landscape rehabilitation will be critical for long‑term planning by agribusiness firms and financiers active in Ghana’s farm sector.
