Coalition demands immediate dismissal of DCEs, Regional Ministers over galamsey failures

The Ghana Coalition Against Galamsey has called for the dismissal and prosecution of District Chief Executives (DCEs) and Regional Ministers whose jurisdictions have seen a surge in illegal gold mining, warning that inaction amounts to complicity.

Speaking on The Forum on Asaase Radio Saturday (8 November) Kyei Kwadwo Yamoah, a member of the group said illegal mining, locally known as galamsey, has evolved into a national security threat, with armed gangs and politically connected financiers driving operations.

“This year we’ve had seven incidents of mob action. I would not even call it resistance — it is criminal-minded interference,” Kwadwo Yamoah said.

“At one point, the coalition recommended elements of a state of emergency. When armed men, including non-Ghanaians, prevent Forestry Commission officers from accessing forest reserves, that signals a national security issue.”

Failed authority

“You would notice in some cases, galamsey happens along main roads. Has the District Chief Executive not seen it? The District Security Council? The Regional Minister? If illegal mining exists in your district or region and you are not supporting decisive action, you should be cleared. By now, in the 11th month, we should start dismissing and prosecuting DCEs whose jurisdictions see a surge in galamsey.”

Kwadwo Yamoah emphasised the role of financiers and politically exposed persons in perpetuating illegal mining. “When you go to a galamsey site, those who intervene — by phone or in person — are often the direct beneficiaries or connected to kingpins. The financiers must be tracked. Illegal mining is economic crime, environmental terrorism, and a national threat.”

“Mafia” network

Meanwhile the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has warned that illegal mining — known locally as galamsey — is becoming a “mafia situation” that could engulf the entire nation if political leaders fail to act decisively.

Speaking at the 29th Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) Awards at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi on Saturday, the Asantehene said the destruction caused by illegal mining threatens the country’s future and requires urgent, united action beyond political interests.

“Galamsey, for example, is an issue that is so dear to everybody’s heart. We have to be very careful because it is destroying this country,” the Asantehene said. “It is becoming more and more of a mafia situation where if we are not very careful it is going to engulf all of us.”

He criticised the politicisation of the fight against illegal mining, saying leaders are often reluctant to act firmly because of fears of losing votes.

“It is politics because of votes and nothing else. I can’t see why we cannot take up this matter seriously unless we are all complicit,” he said, adding that more effort was needed despite assurances from President John Mahama to combat the practice.

Mahama assurance

President John Dramani Mahama who was the Special Guest of Honour at the programme reaffirmed his administration’s determination to end the menace, pledging sustained action to restore degraded lands while creating employment for affected youth.

He said his government is implementing a major programme to reclaim destroyed lands and protect Ghana’s water bodies.

“We’re restoring degraded lands while creating thousands of jobs for young people in affected communities. I have asked the Minister of Finance to increase the budget allocation so that we can recruit more youth into forest tree planting and the Blue Water Guard to safeguard our water bodies,” he stated.

 

SOURCE: AsaaseRadio