The Ghana Coalition Against Galamsey has expressed fear that illegal mining practices are spiralling out of control.
The Coalition, in a statement, posited that the situation has been fuelled by governmental inaction and a perceived leadership vacuum.
In a statement signed by the convenor of the group, Kenneth Ashigbey, on Monday, January 20, 2025, the Coalition said, “Despite the tireless efforts of various stakeholders and promises made by the government, we have witnessed a further decline in the situation. Since the December elections, perpetrators have taken advantage of the perceived leadership and governmental silence on the matter, leading to an alarming increase in illegal mining activities.
The statement issued was in response to the violent clashes at Ntrotroso and Obuasi, indicating that the two incidents represent “a timely reminder that this problem is an explosive threat to national security and cohesion.”
The Coalition added that it was in support of the directive from President John Dramani Mahama.
According to him, there was the need for the issue of galamsey to be dealt with swiftly.
“We have formally written to His Excellency the President, urging him to issue an immediate cease-and-desist order to all illegal miners and regulatory bodies. This decisive measure is crucial to demonstrate the government’s commitment to combating this menace and protecting our environment,” the statement said.
“Mining on the water bodies is illegal, and the President must take immediate action to halt all mining activities within 100 meters of rivers and streams,” the Coalition stressed.
The Coalition is also demanding the abrogation of all mining concessions overlapping with river buffers and the immediate suspension of any mining activities in globally significant biodiversity areas (GSBAs).
It also called for the repeal of Legislative Instrument (L.I.) 2462, which they argue has facilitated illegal mining in protected areas.
By: Rainboiwradioonline.com/Ghana
