GCAG Slams Mahama’s Galamsey Stance: “Failing Us All,” Demands Urgent Action and State of Emergency
The Ghana Coalition Against Galamsey (GCAG) has sharply criticized President John Dramani Mahama’s recent comments on illegal mining, accusing his administration of downplaying the crisis and failing to show the required urgency.
In a press release dated September 11, 2025, the coalition described Mahama’s September 10 Presidential Media Encounter as lacking hope, labeling galamsey an “unprecedented environmental terrorism” that has polluted over 60% of water bodies with heavy metals, displaced farmers, and devastated forest reserves.
GCAG Convenor Kenneth Ashigbey, along with members Prof. M.A. Akudugu, Senyo Hosi, and Daryl Bosu, challenged Mahama’s decision to withdraw police from galamsey sites, calling it “misplaced” and arguing that the forces were effective despite imperfections.
“We challenge the Presidency to name a single licensed small-scale mining entity mining responsibly on the ground,” the statement read, questioning the resourcing of the newly formed National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Support (NAIMOS).
The group rejected Mahama’s view that alternatives must precede crackdowns, deeming it an “emboldening of illegality” amid contaminated cocoa exports and rising health risks, including for newborns.
They highlighted the Ghana Water Company’s report of 32,000 NTU turbidity at the Kwanyarko Water Treatment Plant, leading to its closure endorsed by the Central Regional Minister.
GCAG strongly opposed Mahama’s reluctance for a targeted state of emergency, noting he once joined civil society demands for one pre-election—conditions they say have worsened. “This government’s handling of the galamsey crisis is a disappointment to us all; this government is failing us,” the release concluded.
The coalition, uniting media, labor, religious groups, youth, academia, CSOs, professionals, traditional leaders, and businesses, announced a media briefing on September 15 at the International Press Centre to mobilize action. It operates under the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703) and the 1992 Constitution, targeting all unratified mining offenses.
