GCAG has called on Mahama to reaffirm his dedication to tackling the escalating galamsey crisis
The Ghana Coalition Against Galamsey (GCAG) has called on President John Dramani Mahama to reaffirm his dedication to tackling the escalating Galamsey crisis in a press release issued today, September 15, 2025, at the International Press Centre.
The coalition, comprising civil society groups, community leaders, and environmental advocates, voiced deep concerns about the resurgence of illegal mining activities that are destroying land and water resources.
“The Coalition Against Galamsey (CAG), like many concerned citizens in Ghana, is outraged. Our government’s inability to address the urgent illegal and reckless mining crisis is both troubling and disappointing,” the release said.
As reported by GhanaWebTV, on September 15, 2025, CAG’s statement stressed the need for immediate action, highlighting the destruction of forests, polluted waterways, and displaced communities as major concerns.
“The CAG has expressed disappointment with the President’s remarks at Jubilee House on September 10, suggesting that these comments, whether intentional or not, seem to support the environmental destruction caused by ‘Galamsey’. The President’s justifications on such a platform undermine years of efforts to discourage ‘Galamsey’ and instead encourage impunity, which is deeply unfortunate,” the statement added.
They also emphasised that the current efforts are insufficient and called for renewed dedication from key political leaders, including former President Mahama, to tackle the crisis effectively.
The ongoing acceptance of illegal and reckless mining has led to severe environmental damage, including the contamination and destruction of waterways that provide water for over 20 million people.
“We’re not just dealing with an environmental crisis and criminal activity anymore; we’re fighting for economic fairness and the survival of our society itself,” the statement added.
The coalition urged Mahama to leverage his influence to push for stronger enforcement of existing laws, promote sustainable mining practices, and safeguard vulnerable communities impacted by “galamsey”.
Farmlands used for crops like cocoa, rubber, and oil palm are disappearing, with farmers struggling to find sufficient land; about 50 forest reserves have been affected, escalating future environmental and climate challenges.
“If we can’t tackle the ‘galamsey’ crisis with decisive actions, what kind of nation and people are we turning into? What kind of government will we have?” the statement questioned.
At the same time, the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) is considering a request from Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL) for a massive 280% hike in water tariffs, directly tied to pollution from illegal and reckless mining activities.
GCAG’s statement highlights the need for a collective effort from all stakeholders to address “galamsey”, emphasising that this is not just about demanding higher tariffs but recognising a significant systemic failure.
“We cannot continue to chase the fleeting economic benefits of gold while neglecting other sectors of our economy with insufficient action, ultimately harming the well-being of our citizens,” the coalition said.
It’s like handing the Ghanaian people a bill for a problem they didn’t cause; we’re being forced to bear the consequences of others’ actions.
The Managing Director of GWCL mentioned that water turbidity at the Kwanyarko Water Treatment Plant has hit 32,000 NTU.
The Bunso water treatment plant has been out of operation for nearly a year, while the Kyebi facility is running at minimal capacity, shutting down occasionally due to high water turbidity.
NAD/VPO
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