Declare state of emergency in galamsey zones – Coalition demands.

The Ghana Coalition Against Galamsey has called on the government to declare a state of emergency in areas affected by illegal mining, citing the growing environmental destruction and threats to lives as a justification for urgent intervention.

Speaking at a press conference in Accra on Thursday, June 19, the Coalition’s Convenor, Kenneth Ashigbey, stressed the urgent need for security forces to be empowered through such a declaration to tackle illegal mining, also known as galamsey, head-on.

“The Ghana Coalition Against Galamsey has called for a declaration of a state of emergency in areas prone to galamsey,” he said, noting that “Illegal mining activities continue to devastate the environment, posing threats to lives, necessitating a state of emergency to address the issue directly.”

Ashigbey further expressed concern over what he described as a disturbing trend of alleged involvement of political actors in illegal mining.

“We have, however, observed, condemned resoundingly the alarming pattern of some officials of the ruling party, NDC, being involved in illegal mining,” he stated.

He cited the resolved case of Honourable Oscar Larbi, which prompted the Coalition to petition President John Mahama, a petition they say has been acknowledged by the presidency.

“New reports implicate the NDC constituency chairperson in Axim and Dunkwa of being deeply involved in the galamsey operation. This is unacceptable,” Ashigbey stressed.

He acknowledged public condemnation of illegal mining by the NDC leadership, including President Mahama, as well as the efforts of the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources and the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to curb the menace.

However, he raised concerns that these efforts are being undermined by some local party officials who allegedly benefit from illegal mining activities.

“The Minister of Lands and Natural Resources and the IGP have demonstrated an attitude to deal with it; however, some of their local officials allegedly profit from it,” he said.