The Coalition Against Illegal Mining is intensifying its call for the government to declare a state of emergency in areas severely affected by illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey.
The group describes the situation as a dire threat to livelihoods, public health, and national security.
At a press conference held in Accra on Monday, the Coalition’s Convenor, Dr. Ing. Kenneth Ashigbey, urged the government to act decisively and urgently to curb the escalating environmental crisis.
“We are, therefore, making the following demands of the government in response to the President’s statement on deploying a state of emergency as a last resort,” Dr. Ashigbey said. “By Article 31 (9A and B), the circumstances under which a state of emergency may be declared include the current galamsey situation, where environmental criminals are taking actions that deprive large communities of potable water—an essential of life.”
The Coalition also pointed to Ghana Water Limited’s recent proposal for tariff increases as further evidence of the growing costs associated with water treatment due to pollution from illegal mining. The group called on the utility provider to regularly publish nationwide water turbidity levels to allow the public to assess whether treated water meets World Health Organisation (WHO) standards.
Additionally, the Coalition demanded the prosecution of officials found to be complicit in illegal mining activities, stating that shifting blame to previous administrations is insufficient in addressing the crisis.
The renewed calls come amid growing public concern over the environmental degradation and health risks posed by illegal mining across Ghana.
