Amid the renewed fight against the illegal mining menace, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3lesJ5LT-BoGhana Coalition Against Galamsey has issued a hard-hitting set of 14 demands to the government, insisting that the time for half-measures in the fight against illegal mining is long past.
The coalition’s statement follows President John Mahama’s remarks that a state of emergency could be declared as a last resort to combat the galamsey menace.
According to the group, Ghana is already at the breaking point, with poisoned rivers, collapsing water treatment plants, and soaring water tariffs proving the devastating cost of illegal mining. The coalition says what is now needed is decisive leadership backed by immediate action.
The Demands in Detail
Declare a State of Emergency: Invoke Article 31.9 to protect communities deprived of safe water and defend public safety.
Milestones and Timelines: Publish clear goals to guide and measure government commitment.
Accountability of Local Leaders: Dismiss and investigate MCEs, DCEs, police, and NIB commanders who allow galamsey to persist in their jurisdictions.
Resource NAIMOS: Dedicate part of Goldbod proceeds to fund NAIMOS and auction confiscated excavators to finance joint enforcement with the Forestry Commission and police.
Empower Police: Equip District Police Offices to conduct consistent enforcement and address corruption within the force.
Transfers of Police Commanders: Complete transfers in galamsey-endemic areas and set performance targets tied to results.
Zero Tolerance for Illegal Mining: Support cooperative mining but refuse to justify illegality as a source of employment.
Fast-Track Courts: Establish promised special courts for galamsey cases without further delay.
Prosecute Kingpins: Take firm action against politically connected individuals named in Prof. Frimpong-Boateng’s report and other cases, including Akonta Mining’s directors and party officials implicated.
Protect Activists: Halt the prosecution of community members, such as those in Atronsu, who stood up to illegal miners.
Publish Water Safety Data: Direct Ghana Water Company and the Community Water and Sanitation Agency to disclose levels of heavy metals and chemicals in treated water.
Monthly Water Quality Reports: Ensure agencies publish turbidity and water quality indicators to track progress.
Track and Register Excavators: Order nationwide registration and publish ownership details to expose illegal mining networks.
Deal with Foreign Miners: Stop the influx of foreigners, end deportations of galamsey suspects, and prosecute them under Act 995.
A Call to Action
The coalition warned that failure to act decisively would force ordinary Ghanaians to pay an unbearable price. “We will not accept a future where we cannot afford water because our leaders lacked the courage to stop those destroying it,” the statement declared.
The group urged all citizens to raise their voices, stressing that the fight against galamsey is not just about the environment but about economic justice, public health, and the survival of the nation.
