The Ghana Coalition Against Galamsey (GCAG) has renewed its call for urgent action against illegal mining, locally known as galamsey following alarming reports of deteriorating water quality and an increase in galamsey activities since the December 2024 elections.
In a statement, Convenor Kenneth Ashigbey stated that the Ghana Water Company Limited reported turbidity levels of 14,000 nephelometric turbidity units (NTU) at the Sekyere Hemang Water Treatment Plant in August 2024, far exceeding the World Health Organization’s (WHO) permissible level of 5 NTU for processing.
“These reports indicated a severe deterioration in water quality, with turbidity levels reaching 14,000 nephelometric turbidity units (NTU) at the Sekyere Hemang Water Treatment Plant, far exceeding the maximum permissible level specified by the WHO of 5NTU for processing” he stated.
The coalition commended President John Dramani Mahama’s commitment to addressing galamsey in his first 120-day agenda but expressed concerns about the pace of implementation.
“While we acknowledge the government’s mention of the need to address galamsey in its first 120-day agenda, we are deeply concerned about the pace of action”.
According to the collation illegal miners appear emboldened by perceived government inaction, with tragic incidents such as the recent clashes in Ntrotroso and Obuasi serving as reminders of the issue’s explosive potential to threaten national security and cohesion.
“The tragic incidents at Ntrotroso and Obuasi a few days back, – whatever will be the outcome of an official independent investigation called by HE President Mahama, which we fully support – are a timely reminder that this problem is an explosive threat to national security and cohesion”.
The coalition outlined key demands, including the immediate cessation of all mining activities within 100-meter river buffers, the abrogation of permits for mining in globally significant biodiversity areas, and the repeal of L.I. 2462, which they argue undermines efforts to combat illegal mining.
- The President must declare a state of emergency over our water bodies & get the military to clear
everyone found on the water bodies (mining on the water bodies is illegal)
- All planned and active mining concessions overlapping with river buffers should be abrogated, and all mining activities within 100 meters buffer of all rivers and streams should be halted immediately by the President. Failure of which the President must implement the full force of Act 995 without fear or favour of political colour and status in society.
- Almost all water bodies take their sources from the forest reserves, so all entry permits given to mine in protected globally significant biodiversity areas (GSBAs) must also be abrogated.
- Repeal L.I 2462 immediately
The statement emphasized the urgency of government action and warned of severe environmental consequences if the galamsey menace is not addressed promptly.
Find the release below…
1.4 Update on the State of Galamsey Jan 2025 Ghana Coalition Against Galamsey – Press Statement
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