The Ghana Coalition Against Galamsey has strongly condemned what it describes as a disturbing and escalating pattern of involvement in illegal mining known as galamsey by officials of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC).
At a press conference held in Accra, the Coalition’s Convenor, Dr Kenneth Ashigbey, said the situation represents a profound betrayal of national interest and a mockery of the fight against illegal mining, known locally as galamsey.
Dr Ashigbey cited the unresolved case of Oscar Larbi, the NDC Member of Parliament for Aowin, and some constituency executives as some of the instances of such political involvement, noting that despite a formal petition submitted to President John Mahama, there has yet to be any meaningful resolution.
More alarmingly, he revealed that new reports have implicated NDC constituency chairpersons in both Axim and Dunkwa, who are allegedly deeply involved in galamsey operations. He said these developments reflect a broader culture of impunity and hypocrisy among some political elites.
Coalition decries political hypocrisy
While acknowledging public statements from the NDC’s national leadership then in opposition, including President Mahama, condemning illegal mining, Dr Ashigbey argued that these positions are being severely undermined by the actions of NDC leaders who allegedly profit from the very activities the party claims to oppose.
He said that even as the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources and the Inspector General of Police continue to show resolve in addressing the crisis, their work is being sabotaged by political operatives who see galamsey as a lucrative opportunity rather than a national threat.
Dr Ashigbey demanded immediate and transparent investigations by the Ghana Police Service and National Security into the cases involving Oscar Larbi and the two constituency chairpersons.
He stressed that political affiliations must not shield anyone from accountability.
He further called on the NDC to demonstrate integrity by taking swift disciplinary action if the allegations are confirmed.
He also insisted that the government must revive investigations into all persons named in the Prof Kwabena Frimpong-Boateng report on illegal mining and ensure prosecutions are carried out without fear or favour.
State of emergency needed
As part of its broader strategy to halt the destructive effects of galamsey, the Coalition had called on then-President Akufo-Addo in previous years to declare a state of emergency in areas devastated by illegal mining. Dr Ashigbey said such a declaration would provide the necessary constitutional framework for security forces to confront the crisis with greater authority and coordination.
He warned that the environmental toll, including polluted rivers, destroyed farmlands, and health risks to communities, has reached an intolerable level that justifies extraordinary intervention.
He said, “Illegal mining continues to devastate the environment and threaten lives. It is high time we address this menace directly and decisively.
A state of emergency is not only justified but necessary.”
He explained that existing efforts, though commendable in some sectors, are proving inadequate in the face of entrenched political and criminal networks that benefit from the status quo.
Coalition demands total revocation of LI 2462
Turning to legal reforms, Dr Ashigbey reaffirmed the Coalition’s opposition to the continued existence of Legislative Instrument (LI) 2462, which permits mining activities in forest reserves under certain conditions.
He argued that the regulation must be revoked in its entirety to safeguard Ghana’s already fragile forest estates and the vital ecosystem services they provide.
He rejected any attempt to merely amend the legislation in a way that protects vested interests at the expense of the nation’s long-term wellbeing.
“Our demand for the revocation of LI 2462 still stands,” he declared.
“We will not accept an amendment designed to suit private interests at the expense of national sustainability. Ghana’s forest estates and the vital ecosystem services they provide must be safeguarded for generations to come.”
He warned that unless President John Mahama acts immediately, the Environmental Protection (Mining in Forest Reserves) (Amendment) Regulations, 2025 will automatically mature into law today, a development he described as deeply unfortunate.
Court action looms
In closing, Dr Ashigbey announced that should the President fail to intervene in halting the passage of the amendment, the Coalition will be compelled to continue its legal challenge in court. “If the President does not act before this new regulation matures today, our only recourse will be the continuation of our court case,” he said.
“And that will be most unfortunate at a time when Ghanaians expect a true reset in governance.”
He lamented what he called the government’s deliberate game-playing on the issue, stressing that the Executive must not remain aloof while citizens are forced to fight for the very future of the nation.
The stakes, he said, are too high for political convenience to outweigh ecological survival and public trust.
