The Coalition of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) focused on extractives, anti-corruption, and good governance has made a series of urgent demands directed towards the Ghanaian government concerning the rampant issue of illegal mining, commonly known as “galamsey.” In a joint statement presented during the Africa Water Week 2024 event, representatives from various CSOs, including the Africa Centre for Energy Policy and the Ghana Anti-Corruption Coalition, appealed for the immediate withdrawal of licenses granted for reconnaissance, prospecting, and mining activities within forest and protected areas. This urgent call emphasizes the need to protect Ghana’s dwindling forest resources, which are increasingly threatened by indiscriminate mining activities, leading to environmental degradation and loss of biodiversity.
Furthermore, the Coalition has called for the repeal of the Environmental Protection (Mining in Forest Reserves) Regulation of 2022, which they believe facilitates unchecked mining in sensitive ecological areas. They argue that without such regulatory reform, Ghana’s remaining forest cover may become irreparably damaged, threatening both environmental sustainability and the livelihoods of communities that depend on these natural resources. The Coalition seeks to establish a Multi-stakeholder Group instead of merely relying on an interministerial committee to combat illegal mining better. This approach is intended to mitigate risks associated with rent-seeking behavior and ensure a more inclusive and effective strategy for tackling the complexities of illegal mining.
The Coalition’s call to action extends to the two dominant political parties in Ghana, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC). They have urged both parties to publicly commit to eradicating illegal mining should either party come to power following the upcoming December 2024 elections. This political dimension underscores the urgent need for a bipartisan approach to address the galamsey crisis, recognizing that the issue transcends political affiliations and demands a concerted effort from all stakeholders involved.
During the event, Mr. Kenneth Ashigbey, Coordinator of the Media Coalition Against Galamsey and CEO of the Ghana Chamber of Telecommunication, emphasized the importance of civic engagement in combatting galamsey. He urged Ghanaians to become proactive citizens rather than passive observers, stressing that the fight against illegal mining requires collective action and accountability. His call resonates with the Coalition’s stance that public participation is crucial in safeguarding the nation’s environmental resources and holding decision-makers accountable for their actions or inactions regarding mining practices.
The joint statement and subsequent discussions highlight a significant awareness among civil society regarding the severe implications of illegal mining on Ghana’s environment and governance. The Coalition aims to maintain vigilance over government actions and political commitments related to illegal mining. Their ongoing monitoring efforts seek to ensure that the urgency of the issue is not lost amidst political transitions, and that tangible measures are implemented effectively to combat the galamsey problem.
In summary, the Coalition’s stance represents a broad consensus among civil society that acknowledges the critical need for regulatory reform, political accountability, and active public involvement in the fight against illegal mining in Ghana. Their clarion call serves to rally support for the protection of Ghana’s forests and natural resources, advocating for a future where mining practices are both environmentally sustainable and beneficial for the country’s socio-economic development. As they prepare to hold political leaders accountable in the lead-up to the elections, the Coalition’s efforts exemplify the crucial role of civic engagement in promoting good governance and environmental stewardship.
