The Coalition Against Galamsey has rejected the government’s assertion that the era of impunity is over in the fight against illegal mining.
In a statement issued on Monday, July 20, the Coalition said evidence from mining-affected communities suggests that illegal miners continue to operate with little consequence.
The group particularly raised concerns about developments in the Eastern Region, describing the situation as a clear indication that illegal mining remains a major challenge.
“The Eastern Region, in the very shadow of the seat of government, continues to exhibit escalating lawlessness with no dedicated action to stop it,” the statement said.
It cited illegal mining activities along the Apedwa Junction, Anyinam and Osino stretch, as well as the recent clash between illegal miners and the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) team at Kyebi, as evidence that impunity persists.
The Coalition said farmers and landowners along the Birim, Densu and Ayensu rivers continue to suffer from what it described as destructive and intimidating activities by illegal miners.
“Why is Government treating this particular region with kid gloves? Is the perception of selective enforcement in fact true?” it questioned.
The group also pointed to developments in other mining areas, including Ashanti, Bono and Western regions, as further evidence that illegal mining remains a significant threat.
According to the Coalition, the decision by the Ashanti Regional Coordinating Council to direct some Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) to halt the movement of excavators for a month highlights the seriousness of the challenge.
“The very fact that the Ashanti Regional Coordinating Council found it necessary to direct some MMDAs to halt the movement of all excavators for a month, to confront the impunity and undertake reclamation, speaks for itself about how serious this matter remains,” it said.
The Coalition raised concerns about illegal mining activities in Bamboi and Tinga within the catchment area of the Bui Hydroelectric Dam, warning that such activities threaten the integrity of a key national energy asset.
It also cited Samreboi, where it said illegal mining activities continue despite the devastating impact of galamsey-related flooding that displaced more than 1,000 people.
The group further condemned mining activities around Lake Bosomtwe, describing recent reports of illegal mining on surrounding mountains as another example of continued impunity.
It called on President John Dramani Mahama to ensure the arrest and prosecution of individuals allegedly involved in illegal mining activities affecting the tourist site, including persons it named as being connected to the operations.
Beyond enforcement, the Coalition called for stronger preventive measures, including the establishment of dedicated barriers by mining MMDAs to prevent the movement of untracked excavators into mining areas.
It also renewed its call for the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) to stop the supply of fuel to illegal mining operators, accusing the regulator of failing to act despite previous assurances.
“The NPA is reneging on its regulatory mandate. We demand that the NPA take action to stop fuelling galamsey,” the statement added.
The group argued that cutting off fuel supplies to illegal miners would serve as an important intervention to disrupt illegal mining operations across the country.
