Name and sanction galamsey offenders — GCAG urges Mahama to act against DCEs

The Ghana Coalition Against Galamsey has called on President John Dramani Mahama to take decisive action against illegal mining, urging him to publicly name and sanction district-level officials who are allegedly failing to curb the menace.

In a statement issued on 28 March 2026, the coalition warned that Ghana’s fight against galamsey appears to be losing momentum, despite what it described as an initially promising start by the government. The group highlighted that assessments on the ground, combined with public statements from officials, suggest limited progress in addressing illegal mining operations across the country.

Environmental Impact and Red-Zone Violations

GCAG expressed concern over the continued destruction of water bodies and forest reserves, noting that illegal miners remain active even in designated protected “red zones.” The coalition identified key rivers, including the Ankobra River, Birim River, Pra River, and Ofin River, as continuing to suffer pollution from illegal mining activities, posing serious environmental and public health risks.

Accountability of Local Officials

The coalition criticized what it described as weak enforcement of existing laws, particularly pointing out the lack of sanctions against Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs). Despite earlier assurances that fighting galamsey would be a key performance benchmark for these officials, no punitive actions appear to have been taken.

“Not a single DCE or MCE has faced consequences. Name them! Sanction them! Remove them!” the statement demanded.

GCAG also questioned the status of investigations into alleged political involvement in illegal mining, including cases involving the Amansie Central District Chief Executive, calling for transparency and accountability in addressing such allegations.

Recommended Measures

The coalition urged the government to implement urgent interventions, including:

• Suspension of small-scale mining licences in high-risk areas.
• Intensified enforcement operations by security and regulatory agencies.
• Increased funding and resourcing for institutions such as the Forestry Commission of Ghana and the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat.
• Publication of regular water quality data to keep the public informed about environmental conditions.

GCAG stressed that without firm political will and time-bound interventions, efforts to combat illegal mining would continue to fall short. The group warned that ongoing environmental degradation could have long-term consequences for Ghana’s ecosystems, public health, and sustainable development goals.

“The government must move beyond rhetoric and demonstrate measurable action. Ghana cannot afford to delay in addressing this critical environmental threat,” the coalition concluded.