A civic group calling itself the Generational Rights Protection Society (GRPS) is calling on the government to declare a state of emergency and impose a total ban on all forms of mining in Ghana until a sustainable and modern mining approach is adopted.
Speaking at a press conference held at Kwame Nkrumah Circle in Accra on Wednesday, the group’s leader, Mr. Okatakyie Afrifa Mensah, a media practitioner, criticised the government’s handling of the illegal mining menace, also known as galamsey.
He argued that the current administration’s approach of seizing and burning excavators is the same failed tactic used by the former Akufo-Addo-led government, which only worsened the situation.
“This country cannot continue with this destructive cycle. Burning excavators have not helped us. Mining must be halted completely until we find a modern way to mine without destroying our water bodies and lands,” Mr. Afrifa stressed.
He further accused politicians and their associates of exploiting the fight against illegal mining for personal gain, while turning a blind eye to mining activities carried out by both locals and foreigners under questionable circumstances.
Supporting the call, Mr. Kwasi Addai Odike, a prominent member of the group, demanded that the government conduct a comprehensive mining audit to verify whether licensed companies have operated within legal boundaries.
“The government must declare a state of emergency and audit all mining operations. Those found violating the law must be sanctioned, and their licenses revoked,” Mr. Odike said.
The GRPS insists that until stringent reforms are implemented, all mining, both legal and illegal, poses a threat to Ghana’s environment, health, and future generations.
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