Pressure is mounting on President John Dramani Mahama to repeal, rather than amend, Legislative Instrument 2462 (LI 2462) and declare a state of emergency in response to the ongoing crisis of illegal mining (galamsey) in Ghana.
A coalition of civil society organisations, environmental advocates, and concerned citizens have issued a strong call for immediate government action to combat the destruction of Ghana’s forests and water bodies.
In a press statement, A Rocha Ghana, Nature and Development Foundation, Kasa Ghana, Concerned Citizens of Atewa Landscape, and other environmental advocacy groups expressed alarm over the devastating impact of galamsey on the country’s ecological reserves. They argue that LI 2462, which permits mining in forest reserves, has enabled “an unprecedented state-sponsored assault on Ghana’s forests.”
“There is no reason why this law continues to exist in our statute books,” the statement read. “Legislative Instrument 2462 must be revoked with immediate effect, and all mining concessions issued for forest reserves in Ghana must be revoked as well.”
The coalition also called for an outright ban on the tributer mining lease allocation regime, citing widespread abuse and lack of regulatory oversight. They proposed that the Minerals Commission and the Environmental Protection Authority publish all tributer mining permits online, allowing communities to verify their legitimacy.
Additionally, concerns were raised about mining activities by Nawara and Akooko Mining Companies, with activists demanding an urgent review of their operations, especially around Bunso, where illegal mining has endangered water sources and academic institutions.
The groups condemned the recent arrest of a Forestry Commission officer in Kyebi, who was detained for attempting to prevent illegal mining in the Atewa Forest. They labelled the arrest as an abuse of power that discourages law enforcement agencies from taking action against illegal miners.
“The police have consistently failed to address illegal mining activities within their jurisdiction, yet they cross boundaries to arrest officers fighting to protect Ghana’s natural resources,” the statement read.
Amidst rising concerns over ineffective enforcement, the coalition is demanding leadership changes within Ghana’s security and environmental agencies. They called for the immediate removal of Eastern-South Police Commander DCOP George Boadi Bossman and ACP Reynolds Sam, citing their inability to curb illegal mining activities in the region.
“We need dedicated officers who will prioritise enforcement and halt the impunity of illegal miners,” the statement emphasized.
The debate over how to handle excavators used in illegal mining remains contentious. While burning excavators has been a controversial strategy, the coalition insists that Ghana’s weak compliance regime makes it a necessary deterrent.
However, they stress that the best alternative is to properly resource the Forestry Commission to seize and manage confiscated equipment effectively.
In addition, the coalition has called for new leadership at the Minerals Commission, arguing that the current administration has failed to enforce responsible mining practices.
“The Chief Executive Officer must be replaced with a visionary leader who will prioritise transparency, accountability, and environmental protection,” they asserted.
Ing. Dr. Kenneth Ashigbey, convener of the Media Coalition Against Galamsey, added his voice to the calls for urgent intervention.
Speaking about the state of water treatment in Tarkwa, he lamented the irreversible damage being done to water bodies. “This is a war crime, people,” he declared. “I fail to understand why the President and his administration are aware of this situation yet do not believe we need a state of emergency.”
Dr. Ashigbey further criticised the government’s inaction, pointing out that while Ghana has engaged in large-scale mining for decades, it has never resulted in such extreme environmental destruction.
“We cannot allow the NDC to fail as the NPP did. Beyond the turbidity, what about the heavy metals in this polluted sludge? Will Ghana Water be able to remove them for the people of Tarkwa to drink clean and safe water?” he questioned.
With the future of Ghana’s water systems, farmlands, and forests at stake, the coalition is urging President Mahama to act decisively. “Your Excellency John Dramani Mahama, please declare a state of emergency, stop galamsey now, and revoke but do not amend LI 2462,” Dr. Ashigbey urged.
