File photo of security officers burning excavators being used for illegal mining
AROCHA Ghana, alongside other civil society organizations and environmental advocates, has called for decisive action against illegal mining, known locally as galamsey, asserting that burning excavators remains the most effective way to curb the escalating environmental crisis.
The statement was made during a press conference held on Friday, March 7, 2025, in Accra, where the group outlined urgent demands to address the rampant illegal mining and regulatory failures plaguing Ghana.
In a joint press release signed by AROCHA Ghana, Kasa Initiative Ghana, Nature and Development Foundation, and Concerned Citizens of Atewa Landscape, the organizations emphasized that the destruction of excavators used in illegal mining is a critical deterrent.
“The debate over whether to burn or not to burn excavators used in illegal mining is complex, given the significant vested interests and influences at play. However, considering Ghana’s weak compliance regime and lived experiences, the burning of excavators remains the most effective deterrent against the impunity of illegal miners destroying forests and rivers nationwide,” the statement read.
The group criticized the current approach to galamsey, pointing to the failure of leadership within key agencies like the Minerals Commission and law enforcement in the Eastern Region.
They demanded the revocation of the Environmental Protection (Mining in Forest Reserves) Regulation, 2022 (LI 2462), which they argue has enabled mining in forest reserves.
“Legislative Instrument 2462 must be revoked with immediate effect and all mining concessions issued for forest reserves in Ghana revoked as well,” the group said.
Additionally, they called for enhanced resources for the Forestry Commission to confiscate and manage equipment used in illegal mining as an alternative to burning, but stressed that without such support, the practice must continue.
The statement also highlighted a recent incident involving the arrest of a Forestry Commission staff member for attempting to stop illegal mining in the Atewa Forest, labeling it “an abuse of power” that undermines efforts to protect national assets.
The organizations concluded by urging the government to adopt bold measures, including new leadership in the Minerals Commission and Eastern Region’s enforcement teams, to tackle the crisis effectively and safeguard Ghana’s environment for future generations.
GA
Patrick Yaw Boamah breaks silence after election chaos in Okaikwei Central:
