Galamsey: Declare State of Emergency – Coalition Against Galamsey tells Mahama
The Coalition Against Galamsey, Ghana, has renewed its demand for government to immediately declare a state of emergency in communities affected by illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.
The group argued that such a declaration is long overdue, stressing that the scale of devastation caused by illegal mining far exceeds the threshold required to trigger the constitutional provision.
“By Article 31.9. (a) and (b), the circumstances under which a state of emergency may be declared include the current galamsey situation in which the actions being taken by the environmental criminals are calculated to deprive large communities of potable water which is an essential of life,” Dr. Kenneth Ashigbey, Convener of the Coalition Against Galamsey, said at a news conference in Accra on Monday.
President John Dramani Mahama, however, downplayed the calls last Wednesday, September 10, 2025, insisting that government had not yet exhausted all available options in the fight against the menace.
Dr. Ashigbey described the government’s posture as “unfortunate,” arguing that illegal mining continues to wreak havoc on livelihoods, public health, and national security, and demands urgent intervention.
Citing recent developments, he pointed to Ghana Water Limited’s request for a 280 per cent tariff increment as a direct consequence of pollution from illegal mining.
“This is not a request for a tariff increase; it is an admission of catastrophic failure. It is an invoice being presented to the Ghanaian people for a mess we did not create. We are being forced to pay for the crimes of others,” he said.
“We are beyond the last resort, and the President should immediately declare a state of emergency in parts of the country to save Ghanaians as prescribed by the constitution.”
Dr. Ashigbey also called for the dismissal and investigation of all Municipal and District Chief Executives in areas where illegal mining persists.
“Additionally, we urge the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to urgently address persistent issues of corruption and complicity within the police force, which have hindered effective action against illegal mining in various jurisdictions.
“The IGP should complete the transfers of police commanders in the regions, divisions, districts and stations which are endemic with galamsey and set clear galamsey-related KPIs for the new commanders transferred into these galamsey-endemic areas,” he added.
Mr. Bismark Owusu Nortey, Executive Director of the Peasant Farmers Association of Ghana, also highlighted the severe impact of galamsey on agriculture.
He revealed that in just three districts in the Ashanti Region, about 960 farmers had their crops destroyed, with 518 acres of farmland affected.
Mr. Nortey further noted that major water bodies used for irrigation have been polluted, cutting off year-round farming activities.
“Galamsey is a threat to our food security,” he warned, urging government to take decisive action to protect farmers and secure the nation’s food supply.