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The Ghana Coalition Against Galamsey (GCAG) has issued a blistering critique of President John Mahama’s comments on illegal mining (galamsey), accusing him of downplaying what it describes as “unprecedented environmental terrorism” that is threatening the very survival of the nation.
In a strongly worded statement signed by its convenor, Kenneth Ashigbey, GCAG said the president’s posture at his media encounter on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, failed to convey the urgency required to confront the escalating crisis.
The Coalition highlighted that more than 60% of Ghana’s water bodies are now polluted with dangerous heavy metals, thousands of farmers have been displaced, and vital forest reserves have been destroyed.
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“The President’s withdrawal of police forces and his claim that they cannot distinguish between legal and illegal miners is misplaced,” Mr Ashigbey said. “The IGP’s men, though not perfect, had brought the situation under control. We challenge the presidency to name a single licensed small-scale mining entity mining responsibly today.”
GCAG questioned whether the newly established National Alternative Employment and Livelihood Programme (NAELP/NAIMOS) had been adequately resourced to deal with the menace decisively.
The Coalition condemned the President’s argument that alternatives must first be provided before cracking down on illegal miners.
“To justify galamsey until alternatives are created is to embolden illegality,” the statement said. “This is not the leadership expected of a country facing environmental suicide, contaminated cocoa exports, and rising health crises for our people and generations unborn.”
GCAG also rejected President Mahama’s dismissal of calls for a targeted state of emergency. The group reminded the President that he once supported such calls before coming to power.
“The circumstances that prevailed then have not improved; in fact, they have worsened,” the statement added, citing Ghana Water Company Limited’s report that turbidity levels at the Kwanyarko Treatment Plant reached a staggering 32,000 NTU, forcing its closure on the very day the President spoke.
The Coalition warned that the government’s current approach to galamsey amounts to a betrayal of the national interest.
“This government’s handling of the galamsey crisis is a disappointment to us all. This government is failing us,” Mr Ashigbey declared.
GCAG announced that it will hold a comprehensive media briefing on Monday, September 15, 2025, at the International Press Centre to lay out further evidence and rally national consensus for decisive action.
About the Coalition
The Ghana Coalition Against Galamsey is a powerful alliance of organisations spanning ten major sectors, including the media, labour, religious groups, youth, academia, professional bodies, traditional leaders, and businesses. It represents a united front in the fight against all forms of illegal mining, guided by the Minerals and Mining Act (Act 703) and the Constitution of Ghana.
