Accra: The Coalition Against Galamsey, Ghana, has reiterated its call to the government to immediately declare a state of emergency in areas plagued by illegal mining, also known as galamsey, to effectively address the issue.
According to Ghana News Agency, the Coalition argues that declaring a state of emergency is overdue, as all the necessary conditions for such a constitutional provision have been surpassed by the ongoing illegal mining activities. Dr. Kenneth Ashigbey, Convener of the Coalition Against Galamsey, emphasized at a news conference in Accra that Article 31.9. (a) and (b) of the constitution allows for a state of emergency under circumstances like the current galamsey situation, where actions by environmental offenders are depriving large communities of essential resources like potable water.
President John Dramani Mahama, last Wednesday, September 10, 2025, dismissed calls for a state of emergency, stating that the government had not yet exhausted all available options to address the issue. Dr. Ashigbey expressed disappointment at the government's lack of urgency in tackling illegal and irresponsible mining, which continues to threaten livelihoods, public health, and national security, necessitating immediate intervention.
He highlighted the Ghana Water Limited's recent demand for a 280 percent tariff increase as an example of the severe impact of pollution caused by illegal mining. Dr. Ashigbey asserted that this demand is not merely a request for a tariff hike but an acknowledgment of a catastrophic failure, forcing Ghanaians to bear the cost for a problem they did not create. He urged the President to declare a state of emergency in affected parts of the country to protect citizens as prescribed by the constitution.
Dr. Ashigbey also called for the immediate dismissal and investigation of all Municipal and District Chief Executives in areas where illegal mining persists. He urged the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to address the ongoing issues of corruption and complicity within the police force that have hindered effective action against illegal mining. He recommended completing the transfer of police commanders in regions heavily affected by galamsey and setting clear key performance indicators related to galamsey for new commanders.
Mr. Bismark Owusu Nortey, Executive Director of the Peasant Farmers Association of Ghana, also spoke at the news conference, highlighting the significant impact of illegal mining on farmers across the country. He noted that in three districts in the Ashanti Region alone, approximately 960 farmers have had their crops destroyed, affecting 518 acres of farmland. Nortey also pointed out that major water bodies used for irrigation have been polluted, ending year-round farming and posing a threat to food security. He urged the government to take decisive action against galamsey to ensure food security.