If we fail to act now, we risk losing our rivers, forests – GRPS on galamsey demonstration

Okatakyie Afrifa-Mensah [L] and Kwame Appiah Kubi

The Generational Rights Protection Society (GRPS), a civil society group championing environmental justice, has called on President John Dramani Mahama’s administration to, as a matter of urgency, declare a state of emergency in response to what it describes as the escalating illegal mining crisis in the country, popularly known as galamsey.

The group, which includes notable figures such as the Founder and Leader of the United Progressive Party (UPP), Akwasi Addai Odike; media personality Okatakyie Afrifa-Mensah; and Ghanaian journalist Kwame Appiah Kubi, among others, warns that government inaction will only worsen the crisis.

GRPS is urging the government to move beyond rhetoric and adopt bold, comprehensive measures to preserve Ghana’s natural resources and secure the livelihoods of future generations.

The group emphasized that the current situation constitutes a national emergency requiring immediate and decisive action.

At a press briefing held on April 22, 2025, in Accra, Okatakyie Afrifa-Mensah criticized the government’s current strategies in combating galamsey.

He argued that ongoing tactics, such as the seizure and burning of excavators, merely replicate the ineffective approaches of the previous administration.

“These measures have already proven futile under the past government. We are seeing history repeat itself with even more devastating consequences. The environment is being ravaged while our water bodies continue to deteriorate,” he said.

He added, “If we fail to act now, we risk losing our rivers, forests, and agricultural lands forever.”

“We need to come together and fight against illegal mining. Galamsey does not know NPP or NDC. If our water bodies are destroyed, we will all drink from them, regardless of our political color,” he emphasized.

To amplify their concerns, the GRPS has planned a three-day demonstration, scheduled for April 28–30, 2025, and dubbed #GalamseyMustFall, #SaveOurGhana, and #GhanaDeserveBetter.

The group has called on all Ghanaians, particularly the youth, to join in demanding urgent action against illegal mining.

Kwame Appiah Kubi, another convener of the group, underscored the severe consequences of illegal mining on the environment, communities, and society at large.

He noted that the practice is “eating away at every aspect of our society,” as some individuals prioritize quick enrichment over responsible and regulated mining practices.

“The lack of regulation in the mining sector has led to widespread problems. It is imperative that urgent action is taken to address the issue,” Kubi stressed.

AM/KA

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