On the day the Nation bid farewell to the eight heroes who perished in the line of duty over illegal mining, the Ghana Coalition Against Galamsey (GCAG) has commended the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Christian Tetteh Yohuno and gallant police officers for standing firm against violent illegal miners during recent anti-galamsey operations.
Video evidence shows galamsey operators brazenly attacking police personnel, a stark reminder of the lawlessness threatening Ghana’s environment and security. This incident, coming in the wake of the tragic military helicopter crash linked to galamsey activities, marks a breaking point.
“We will no longer tolerate this nonsense from environmental criminals,” the Coalition declared, calling for uncompromising measures to dismantle the networks destroying Ghana’s lands, rivers, and future.
The statement signed by the GCAG Convenor, Kenneth Ashigbey, Prof. M.A. Akudugu, Senyo Hosi and Daryl Bosu is demanding that.
- Expanded arrests. Swift intelligence-led operations to apprehend all perpetrators, supported by a joint police-military task force with maximum force.
- Targeted state of emergency. In all regions heavy impacts from illegal mining.
- Seizure and prosecution. All equipment used in galamsey must be confiscated, and financiers publicly named and prosecuted.
- Accountability for leadership failure. Immediate dismissal and investigation of the Municipal Chief Executive and local Police Commanders for negligence or collusion.
The Coalition stressed that attacks on state security are a direct threat to Ghana’s sovereignty. “We applaud the IGP’s resolve, but demand these concrete steps to end this national emergency,” the statement concluded.
The Ghana Coalition Against Galamsey, GCAG, is a broad alliance of media, labour unions, religious bodies, youth groups, academics, CSOs, professional associations, traditional leaders, and businesses united in the fight against illegal mining in all its forms. The Coalition advocates for strict enforcement of the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703), and the constitutional requirement for parliamentary ratification of all mining agreements.
Contacts:
Kenneth Ashigbey, Convenor-024 431 5864
Prof. M.A. Akudugu-050 439 5605
Senyo Hosi-024 422 4108
Daryl Bosu-020 255 5727
By Peter Quao Adattor
Here is the Full statement
