The Ghana Coalition Against Galamsey (GCAG) has issued a scathing critique of President Mahama’s recent statement on illegal mining, accusing the government of failing to confront the galamsey crisis with the urgency and severity it demands.
In a powerful response to the President’s comments during the “Presidential Media Encounter” on September 10, GCAG argued that the government’s posture on the issue was alarmingly passive, downplaying what has become one of Ghana’s most destructive environmental and social crises.
The Coalition, which represents a broad spectrum of society including media organizations, labour unions, youth groups, traditional leaders, businesses, and civil society organizations emphasized the escalating damage caused by illegal mining activities, which have ravaged over 60% of the country’s water bodies, devastated forest reserves, and displaced countless farmers.
GCAG’s statement on Wednesday morning called out the President for his failure to grasp the scale of the environmental “terrorism” being inflicted on the nation. “The President’s remarks were woefully inadequate. The seriousness of the galamsey disaster cannot be overstated. Our water bodies are poisoned with heavy metals, our forests are decimated, and we are staring at the potential collapse of our agricultural sector,” the Coalition said.
A Crisis of Urgency and Leadership
GCAG’s condemnation focused primarily on President Mahama’s perceived indifference to the urgency of the crisis. “What the President failed to acknowledge was that we are in the midst of an environmental catastrophe. Every day we delay, the damage grows irreparably,” said a spokesperson for the Coalition. He added that “his statement lacked the urgency needed to pull us back from the brink. This is no longer just a political issue—it’s a life-or-death situation for future generations.”
One of the most contentious points raised by GCAG was the President’s comments on the police’s role in curbing galamsey activities. Mahama suggested that law enforcement had failed to distinguish between legal and illegal miners, and subsequently pulled police forces out of anti-galamsey operations. GCAG, however, pushed back, arguing that the police had shown considerable courage and progress in confronting illegal mining.
“We saw first-hand how the police, though not perfect, made significant strides in controlling the galamsey menace. They were fearless in their efforts, and now, the President’s decision to withdraw them only emboldens those operating outside the law,” the Coalition asserted.
A Call for Accountability
In a direct challenge to the President, GCAG demanded that the government name a single licensed small-scale mining operation that is operating responsibly and in line with the law. They also questioned whether newly established bodies like the National Alternative Initiatives for Miners (NAIMOS) are adequately funded and equipped to address the problem.
“There is no doubt that the government has failed to provide the necessary resources to combat illegal mining. We welcome initiatives like NAIMOS, but we ask: has the government truly committed to supporting them with the capacity needed to make a tangible difference?” GCAG questioned.
The Coalition further argued that the President’s assertion that alternative livelihoods must be provided before taking action against illegal miners effectively justifies the widespread lawlessness, allowing criminals to continue destroying the environment without consequence.
“It’s unacceptable to suggest that illegal activities can be allowed to continue until an alternative is provided. This is a dangerous justification for the destruction of our land, our water, and our future,” GCAG declared.
An Unfolding Environmental Crisis
The President’s speech also touched on the government’s reluctance to declare a state of emergency in response to the growing crisis. GCAG was unequivocal in its stance, claiming that the failure to declare such a measure, despite the deteriorating conditions, shows a government that is either out of touch or unwilling to act.
“The government’s refusal to declare a state of emergency is a slap in the face to Ghanaians who are watching their livelihoods and futures vanish in real time,” said a GCAG member. The Coalition cited a report from the Managing Director of the Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL), who confirmed that turbidity levels at the Kwanyarko Water Treatment Plant had surged to a staggering 32,000 NTU—a dangerously high level that rendered the water unfit for human consumption.
On the same day, the Central Regional Minister confirmed the closure of the plant, underscoring the crisis’s deepening impact on public health and access to clean water.
The Path Forward: A Call to Action
GCAG is not backing down. They have announced a ‘Comprehensive Media Briefing’ scheduled for Monday, September 15, 2025, at the International Press Center, where they will provide further evidence of the government’s failings and outline a more forceful approach to tackling the galamsey crisis.
“We will continue to hold the government accountable. We are uniting every sector of society to demand immediate, decisive action,” GCAG said in its statement. “The government’s inaction is failing us all—farmers, businesses, children, and the environment. Our very future is at stake.”
