Galamsey: More groups threaten action if Gov’t fails to ban practice

There have been growing calls for the government to impose a total ban on illegal mining, particularly in water bodies and forest reserves.

On September 9th, the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) warned that if the government fails to enforce a ban by the end of the month, it will lead a nationwide strike in collaboration with other unions. UTAG criticised previous government efforts, such as Operation Vanguard and Operation Flashout, as “monumental failures” due to corruption and political interference.

UTAG also cited alarming statistics, highlighting the devastating impact of illegal mining on Ghana’s environment and economy.

At the 2024 Bar Conference, Yaw Acheampong Boafo, President of the Ghana Bar Association, urged the government to take decisive action against galamsey, calling it an “existential threat.” The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu, echoed this sentiment, stating that “doing nothing is no longer an option.”

On September 11th, organised labour issued a September 30 deadline for the government to ban galamsey, threatening nationwide industrial action. They also called on President Akufo-Addo to declare a state of emergency in line with articles 31 and 31(4) of the 1992 Constitution.

Additionally, other groups, including the Ghana Medical Association, Media Coalition Against Galamsey, Ghana Catholic Bishops Conference, Christian Council of Ghana, and civil society organisations, have joined in demanding an illegal mining ban.

These renewed calls follow an announcement by the Ghana Water Company Limited, which stated that it could no longer supply potable water to parts of the Central Region due to the severe pollution of the Pra River caused by illegal mining.