The Coalition Against Galamsey, Ghana, has charged Ghanaians including civil society organisations, traditional rulers, the media, and religious bodies to speak up boldly against illegal mining, which is euphemistically known as galamsey.
In a statement titled “Violent Attack Against NAIMOS Personnel and the Need for Stronger National Measures,” the Coalition said silence in the face of environmental destruction and political interference in anti-galamsey operations only encourages impunity and weakens national resolve.
According to the Coalition, environmental protection is a shared responsibility that requires the active involvement of every Ghanaian. It warned that the country cannot afford to normalise violence against state officials who are mandated to protect its natural heritage.
“Environmental protection is a shared responsibility, and silence in the face of unlawful political conduct encourages further impunity,” the statement declared. “Our country cannot afford to normalise violence against state officials. Nor can we allow political authority to be used to shield environmental destruction, undermine enforcement, or compromise national security.”
The Coalition expressed deep concern about the recent violent attack on officers of the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Squad (NAIMOS) in the Asutifi North area of the Ahafo Region, describing the incident as a grave threat to national security and democratic governance. It noted that reports suggesting a sitting Member of Parliament mobilised or encouraged community members to confront law enforcement officials “represent a dangerous precedent and an assault on the rule of law.”
While condemning the attack, the Coalition insisted that citizens and civil society groups have a moral duty to speak out and hold leaders accountable in the ongoing national fight against galamsey. “Ghana cannot win the fight against galamsey if elements entrusted with public authority undermine enforcement and foster impunity,” it stressed.
The group called for an end to political interference in the work of security and enforcement agencies and urged the President, Parliament, and security institutions to act decisively to protect NAIMOS officers from further harm.
It also appealed to faith-based organisations, the media, and traditional leaders to use their platforms to raise awareness and push for accountability, stressing that silence and neutrality are no longer options in the face of growing ecological and social harm caused by illegal mining.
The Coalition noted that Ghana’s rivers are polluted with mercury and heavy metals, forests are being degraded, and the livelihoods of millions are under threat. It said the struggle against illegal mining must not be left solely to government agencies, warning that “every Ghanaian who stays silent becomes complicit in the destruction of our environment and future.”
Reiterating its position, the Coalition said Ghana stands at a critical moment where decisive leadership, citizen participation, and collective action are essential to preserve the environment, safeguard the rule of law, and secure the future of generations yet unborn.
It concluded with a firm reminder: “The Republic must act firmly and transparently to protect its officers, safeguard its natural heritage, and defend the rule of law — but it will take every citizen’s voice to make that possible.”
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