The Ghana Coalition Against Galamsey has intensified its campaign against illegal mining, demanding immediate government intervention to address the escalating crisis.
At a press conference held at the Ghana International Press Centre on Thursday, June 19, 2025, the coalition—comprising the Media Coalition Against Galamsey, Ghana Institution of Engineering, Ghana Mine Workers Union, and the New Media Association of Ghana—called for decisive measures to combat the menace.
The coalition’s coordinator, Dr. Kenneth Ashigbey, urged the government to declare a state of emergency in galamsey-prone areas to empower security forces to tackle the growing national security threat.
‘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,’ he warned.
Dr. Kenneth Ashigbey also condemned the recent assault on Dr. Hannah Bissiw and a journalist and called for the interdiction and public prosecution of the police officers involved.
Prof. Akosua Adomako Ampofo, a member of the coalition and fellow of the Ghana Academy of Arts and Sciences, criticized the government’s decision to amend rather than repeal Legislative Instrument (LI) 2462, which regulates small-scale mining.
‘We are disappointed that the government has opted to amend instead of revoking LI 2462. This falls short of its campaign promises,’ she stated.
The coalition vowed to sustain pressure until tangible action is taken and urged all citizens to join the fight against illegal mining.
Report by Elsie Appiah Koomson
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