Ghana’s Galamsey Crisis: A National Security Timebomb Demanding Immediate Action

Feature Article Ghana’s Galamsey Crisis: A National Security Timebomb Demanding Immediate Action

SAT, 08 NOV 2025

Introduction
Ghana’s persistent struggle with illegal mining (galamsey) has evolved beyond an environmental concern into a full-blown national security emergency. The recent attack on Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) officials by heavily armed illegal miners as reported on news outlets nation-wide serves as yet another alarming reminder that the State is gradually losing territorial control of its mineral-rich zones. The ability of galamsey operators to mobilise sophisticated weapons, launch attacks on State officials, and literally flee crime scenes with impunity raises critical questions about governance, law enforcement capacity, and the future stability of the Republic.

A Clear and Present Security Threat

Over the past decade, illegal mining has rapidly transformed from a small-scale livelihood activity into a multi-million-dollar criminal enterprise linked to armed networks, foreign syndicates, and political patronage. Reports from the Ghana Chamber of Mines (2023) estimate that Ghana loses over US$2.3 billion annually through illegal mining activities. The military-style ambush on EPA officers is not an isolated event. Rather, it reflects a growing trend of State authority being challenged by lawless mining cartels.

Environmental Devastation with Socio-Economic Consequences

The environmental destruction caused by galamsey is well-documented and catastrophic. According to the Water Resources Commission (2024), over 60% of Ghana’s water bodies in mining regions are polluted. This connotes an alarming increase from 43% in 2016. The Ghana Water Company Limited continues to shut down treatment plants intermittently due to heavy contamination of major rivers, including the Pra, Birim, Offin and Ankobrah, driving up the cost of water treatment and depriving communities of clean water.

Agricultural ecosystems are also collapsing. The Ministry of Food and Agriculture (2023) reported that farmlands destroyed by illegal mining increased by 41% between 2018 and 2023, contributing to rural unemployment and food insecurity. The destruction of arable lands further undermines Ghana’s food sovereignty ambitions and deepens socio-economic fragility in mining communities.

A Governance and Rule-of-Law Crisis

The inability and obvious unwillingness of the State to enforce mining regulations to the later exposes Ghana to a creeping governance crisis. Citizens are increasingly losing confidence in law enforcement agencies as illegal mining perpetrators continue to evade prosecution. Between 2017 and 2023, only 9% of arrested galamsey suspects were successfully prosecuted (Attorney-General’s Office, 2024), with many cases stalling due to political interference or weak evidence-gathering processes.

The brazenness demonstrated in the attack on EPA officials signals a dangerous erosion of the State’s monopoly over the use of force. If illegal miners can openly confront security and regulatory officials today, the threat could escalate into armed insurgency if not urgently addressed.

Urgent Recommendations for a National Reset

To avert an impending national crisis, Ghana must adopt a decisive, multi-sectoral approach anchored in strong political will, community accountability, and enhanced security coordination. The following interventions are critical:

Establish a Specialised Anti-Galamsey Security Taskforce with counter-terrorism capacity to dismantle armed mining networks.
Implement a strict asset seizure regime targeting financiers, politicians, and foreign sponsors of illegal mining operations.
Religiously deploy digital surveillance technologies, including drones and satellite monitoring, to track illegal mining hotspots in real-time.
Strengthen the Minerals and Mining Act with stiffer penalties including mandatory minimum custodial sentences for offenders.
Invest in alternative livelihoods and community mining schemes to reduce economic dependence on illegal mining.

Conclusion: Act Now or Forever Lose Control

Ghana is at a defining moment. The attack on EPA officials is a wake-up call that illegal mining is no longer a peripheral crime; it is a national security hazard capable of destabilising the country if left unchecked. The State must demonstrate resolve and urgency. Failure to act decisively could result in irreversible environmental collapse, weakened State authority, and long-term national insecurity.

The time to act is now. Galamsey is no longer an environmental nuisance, it is actually a threat to Ghana’s sovereignty, survival, and future prosperity.

Dr. Collins Tetteh Abeni, was the Acting Registrar of Offinso College of Education, combining leadership in academia with Methodist ministry. He holds a PhD in Educational Leadership and professional certifications as a Chartered Management Consultant (CMC) and Chartered Administrator (ChPA). An exp. More ABENI, COLLINS TETTEH
Offinso College of Education, P. O. Box 7, Offinso- Ashanti, Ghana
Mobile : 0202-233902, 0261-546102, 0245754851, 0505085674, 0243-307866
E-mail : [email protected]

CAREER OBJECTIVE/ LIFE GOAL
To be a very dedicated and refined Lecturer (teacher) who will seize all opportunities to impart knowledge and wisdom for the good of my environment/ community
Become a top-notch Administrator, Manager or Leader who shall lead by Example for the successful Initiation and Leadership for Change
Responding to the Call, I aim to be a Spirit-filled and Spirit-Led Methodist Reverend Minister poised to carried out the Great Commission (Matthew 28: 16-20)

EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATION
Date Award
Degrees:
2021- 2024 Doctor of Philosophy (Educational Leadership)
2014-2016 Master of Philosophy (Educational Leadership)
2007-2011 Bachelor of Education (Management)
2002-2005 Senior Secondary School Certificate

Certificates:
2020-2020 Graphic Design (Corel Draw Graphic Suites 2020)
2020-2020 Video Editing
2019-2019 3D & 5D Epoxy floor, Biogas, Biofil Digister, Pesticide, Organic Fertilizer, Plastic to Diesel, Moringa Bread, Moringa Ice Cream, Carrot Soap, and Herbicide
2018-2019 Certificcate in Biblical Studies
2015-2015 School of Healing & Deliverance
2013-2013 Pastoral Counselling
2011-2012 National Service, Ministry of Food and Agriculture, Bachelor of Education (Management)
2010-2010 Local Preachers’ Certificate

Certificate of Service:
2009-2011 Media and Publicity Team
2007-2011 Bible Studies Wing
Professional:
2023-2024 Chartered Management Consultant (CMC)
2022-2023 Chartered Professional Administrator (ChPA)

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND
2021- 2024 Akenten Appiah-Menka University Kumasi Ghana
2014-2016 University of Educ., Winneba-K’si Kumasi Ghana
2007-2011 University of Cape Coast Cape Coast Ghana
2002-2005 Opoku Ware Senior High Santasi-K’si Ghana

Certificates:
2020-2020 TA Digital Concepts Ltd. Accra, Asheley Botwe
2020-2020 TA Digital Concepts Ltd. Accra, Asheley Botwe
2019-2019 Biogas Expert Engineering Kumasi, Ghana
2018-2019 Christian Service Univ. College Santasi, Kumasi
2015-2015 School of Healing & Deliverance,
Scrpture Union-Ghana, Sekyere-Odumasi, Ash.-Gh.
2013-2013 Pastorial Councilling Institute Accra, Ghana
2011-2012 National Service (Ministry of
Food and Agriculture) Nsuta, Ashanti Region
2010-2010 The Methodist Church Ghana Ghana

Certificate of Service:
2009-2011 Media and Publicity Team Ghana Methodist Students’ Union (GHAMSU)- University of Cape Coast
2007-2011 Bible Studies Wing Ghana Methodist Students’ Union (GHAMSU)- University of Cape Coast
Professional:
2023-2024 Chartered Management
Consultant (CMC) Accra, Ghana
2022-2023 Chartered Professinal
Administrator (ChPA) Accra, Ghana

PUBLICATIONS
Amazon Book- Mending Your Marriage: The Christian Vision of Restoration

Teacher Education Journal Position Paper- Ensuring Democratic Accountability in CENTSAG Leadership
Open Journal of Educational Research (OJER) Article- An Appraisal of Teachers’ Intrinsic and Extrinsic Motivation in Ghana: :Leadership for Leaning

WORKSHOPS ATTENDED:
29th April-1st May, 2025 Post-Migration Sensitisation Workshop for the College of Education; Wesley College of Education, Kumasi
May, 2024 Regional Stakeholder Engagement on the Secondary Education
Curriculum
April, 2024 Secondary Education Curriculum Development Engagement Session with PRINCOF no Subject Combination, Tomreik Hotel, East Lagon, Accra
25th November, 2023 Reshaping Education: Aligning Assessment with Curriculum and Delivery, and the role of Professionals in Reshaping the Process of Education, Accra- Ghana
September, 2021 Capacity Building Workshop on Research and Publication for Tutors in UCC Affiliated Colleges of Education, Offonso College- Ashanti
November, 2022 Communications training for College Secretaries and Public Relations Officers (PRO) of the 46 public Colleges of Education in Ghana.

AWARDS:
March, 2013 (Picture attached) Bible Quiz & Sword Drill in Empowerment Service Competition, YMD-Gethsemane Methodist, Tanoso-Kumasi

SKILLS AND ABILITIES
Computer literate
Creative and innovative
Good communicative skills
Good interpersonal/ Human relationship
Ability to work with others
Ability to work with minimal or no supervision
Ability to guide and counsel
Quick to learn and adapt

STRENGTH
Visionary and Focused
Orderliness
Versatility
Resourcefulness
Principled
Inquisitive minded
Meticulousness
Self-motivation
God fearing

INTERESTS
Teaching
Administration/ Management
Researching
Reading
Writing
Sharing
Public Speaking

POSITIONS HELD ORGANISATION DATE
Professional:
Ag. College Registrar Offinso College of Education 03/ 2025 - Date
Head of Unit Principal’s Secretariat 08/ 2024 - 02/2025
Secretary, some College Committees Offinso College of Educatoon 2022- Date
Secretary, ASHBA - Zone College of Education Non-Teaching Staff Association, Ghana 10/ 2024- Date
Chairman, CENTSAG-OFCE College of Education Non-Teaching Staff Association, Ghana 08/ 2022- Date
Acting Secretary,CENTSAG- OFCE College of Education Non-Teaching Staff Association, Ghana 08/ 2021- Date
Chairman Assets Committee, S. D. A. Senior High 2019- July, 2021

Religious:
Special Assistant, MDF Coordinator Offinso Circuit, Methodist Church 2024- Date
Member- Coordination
Office for Educ. & Youth Freeman Methodist, Kokote- Offinso 2025- Date
Secretary, Harvest Committee Freeman Methodist, Kokote- Offinso 2025- Date
Secretary, Welfare Committee Freeman Methodist, Kokote- Offinso 2025- Date
Member, Men’s Fellowship Freeman Methodist, Kokote- Offinso 2024- Date
Member, Ushering Department Freeman Methodist, Kokote- Offinso 2024- Date
Member- Coordination
Office for Ministry Freeman Methodist, Kokote- Offinso 2024- Date
Assistant Auditor Asamankama Methoddist, Offinso-Ashanti 2022-2023
Treasurer Mens’ Fellowship, Wesley Methodist, Bekwai-Ash 2019-2021
Member, Leaders’ Meeting Methodist Church, Tanoso-Kumasi,
Abuabo No. 1, Adansi North Municipal, Ashanti
Bekwai- Ashanti, Offinso-Ashanti 2012- Date
Secretary, Atwea Committee GHAMSU, UCC 2010
Member, Students’ in
Church Evangelism(SICE)
Committee GHAMSU, UCC 2009
Member, Bible Study Wing,
Prayer Tower,
Wesleyan Theater,
Organising Wing GHAMSU, UCC 2008-2011

WORKING EXPERIENCE

Reviewer March 2025- Date
Learning environment Research Journal

Ag. College Registrar 1st March, 2025- Date
Offinso College of Education Offinso- Ashanti

Assistant College Registrar March, 2025- Date
Offinso College of Education Offinso- Ashanti

Part-Time Lecturer 2022-Date
UEW, CoDEL , Offinso Center Winneba- Central Reg.

Part-Time Lecturer 2023
UCC Sandwitch Programme, Christ the King
College of Education Center, Kumasi- Ashanti

Part-Time Lecturer 2022-Date
Jackson University College, Techiman Center Kumasi- Ashanti

Offinso College of Education Offinso- Ashanti
Assistant College Secretary July, 2021-Feb. 2025

Subject teacher: Business Management Sept., 2018- Aug. 2021
Personal Assistant, Assistant Headmaster (Administration)
S. D. A. Senior High School Bekwai, Bekwai- Ashanti

Subject teacher: English Language September, 2016-2018
Kokofu M/A Junior High School Kokofu, Bekwai- Ashanti

Class Teacher: Class Six May, 2013 –2016
Nkonsa D/A Primary School Nkonsa, Adansi-North Dist.

Subject Teacher: Religious and Moral Education Nov., 2012 – July, 2013
Abraham Lincoln International School Abuakwa-Manhyia, Ashanti

Subject Teacher: Religious and Moral Education November, 2012 – July, 2013
Abraham Lincoln International School Abuakwa-Manhyia
National Service October, 2011- July, 2012
Ministry of food And Agriculture Nsuta- Ashanti Region
Teaching Assistant : Business Management July, 2011
Yaa Asantewaa Girls Senior High Tanoso-Kumasi
Teaching Assistant : Business Management July- August 2011
Yaa Asantewaa Girls Senior High Remedial Classes TweneboaKodua J.H.S, Abuakwa-K’si
Teaching Assistant : Office Procedures (Practical) July-August 2011
Government Secretarial School I.P.T-Kumasi
Attachment: Accounts Clerk July 2010
Appeal Court Adum-Kumasi
Off-Campus Teaching Practice: Business Management June 2010
YaaAsantewaa Senior High Tanoso-Kumasi
Teacher: Religious and Moral Studies; Social studies August 2006-July 2007
Great Achievers’ Educational Centre Tanoso-Kumasi

ACHIEVEMENTS AS ASSISTANT COLLEGE SECRETARY
1.Proposed a number of College Policies (including Disciplinary Policy; Correspondence, Documents Handling, and Students’ Records Policy; Office Holders Handing-Over Policy, etc.)
2.Team leader for proposing and securing a website for the College.
3.Team member for Development of a five (5) development plan for the College.
4.Patron Circuit Singing Band
5.Patron Freeman Society Singing Band, Kokote
6.Patron Freeman Society Boys and Girls Brigade, Kokote

REFEREES

Mr. Ernest Tsikata
Quality Assurance Officer
Offinso College of Education
[email protected]
0243 104 113/ 0201 809 902
Prof. Fredrick K. Sarfo
The then Dean of Faculty of Education and Communication Sciences; University of Education, Winneba-Kumasi
Now Vice Chancellor AAMUSTED
0205-111910
Very Rev. Dominic Sangmoah
Former Minister-in-Charge
Freeman Methodist, Kokote
[email protected]
0241 426 949 Prof. Isaac Boateng
Pro Vice Chancelor
AAMUSTED
Kumasi- Ghana
[email protected]
0203496339
Very Rev. Samuel Owusu Afriyie
Former Minister-in-Charge
Wesley Methodist, Bekwai-Ashanti
[email protected]
0243-777563/ 0207 456130 Prof. Stephen Baffour Adjei, PhD
Head of Department
Educational Leadership Department
AAMUSTED
Kumasi- Ghana
[email protected]
0554 973 575

Very Rev. Samuel Dontoh
Minister-in-Charge
Asamankama Methodist,Offinso-Ashanti
[email protected]
0244-594 551
Dr. Lydia Osei-Amankwah
Head of Department
Educational Leadership Department
AAMUSTED
Kumasi- Ghana
02447 677 22/ 0508 811 555
Very Rev. Samuel Ofori Andam
Former Minister-In-Charge
Gethsemane Methodist, Tanoso-Kumasi
[email protected]
0244-964881/0208-766824
Prof. Kofi P. Quan- Baffour
Lecturer
Educational Leadership Department
AAMUSTED, Kumasi- Ghana
[email protected]
0507 128 861/ 0209 949 543

Very Rev. Samuel F. Coffie
Former Minister in Charge
Gethsemane Methodist, Tanoso-Kumasi
O244 334 653/ 020 813 3109
Prof. Samuel Asare Amoah
Part- Time Lecturer
Educational Leadership Department
AAMUSTED
Kumasi- Ghana
[email protected]
0208 131 469/ 0270 544 962
Rev. Fr. Dr. Francis K. Sam
Past Head of Department
University of Education,Winneba-Kumasi
Department of Educational Leadership
0277-871700
Mr. Isaac Owusu
Headmaster
Kokofu M/A Junior High School
Kokofu, Bekwai Municipal
0243 129 497/ 0541 348 225
Prof. Francis Owusu-Mensah, PhD
Part- Time Lecturer
Educational Leadership Department
AAMUSTED
Kumasi- Ghana
[email protected]
0246 0441 301
Mr. Kofi Anane Afoakwa
Former Headmaster
S. D. A. Senior High School
Bekwai-Ashanti
[email protected]
0249-702 253/ 0208-188 910

Prof. Kankam Boadu
University of Cape Coast
Cape Coast- Ghana
0244708348
Dr. Michael Aboagye
Lecturer
AAMUSTED
Kumasi- Ghana
0549 015037
Dr. Kofi Yeboah Asiamah
Lecturer
AAMUSTED
Kumasi- Ghana
0244857631 Mr. Francis Manu
Former President (2009-2010)
Ghana Methodist Students’ Union (GHAMSU)
UCC

Dr. Samuel Aboagye
Lecturer
AAMUSTED
Kumasi- Ghana
0208 150 198/ 0268 593 456 Mrs. Elizabeth Annan-Prah
University of Cape Coast
Lecturer, School of Business
0208 628 899

Mr. Hagan
Former Head of Business Department
Yaa Asantewaa Girls’ Senior High
0243832759

Column: Collins Tetteh Abeni

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