The Coalition Against Galamsey in Ghana has urged President John Dramani Mahama to take firm action in response to a violent incident involving members of the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations taskforce (NAIMOS) and associated security personnel during an operation in the Asutifi North region.
In a strongly articulated statement, the Coalition denounced the attack, characterizing it as a serious threat to national security and the rule of law. The organization expressed significant concern regarding allegations that a current Member of Parliament may have incited or organized local residents to obstruct and physically confront the enforcement officers executing their lawful anti-galamsey responsibilities.
The Coalition stated that such political interference in the enforcement of anti-illegal mining regulations represents “an unacceptable betrayal of public trust” and jeopardizes Ghana’s ongoing efforts to combat the environmental damage caused by galamsey activities.
It cautioned that safeguarding illegal mining operations for political advantage equates to “complicity in environmental destruction, economic sabotage, and the degradation of lawful authority.”
The Coalition called upon the President to publicly reaffirm a zero-tolerance policy regarding political interference in the anti-galamsey initiative by delivering a strong national statement that condemns the violence directed at enforcement officers.
Additionally, it requested an independent inquiry into the Asutifi North incident, with the results to be made public and accountability pursued irrespective of the political affiliations of those involved.
The group further insisted that law enforcement agencies take action against all offenders in accordance with legal standards, emphasizing that “political status does not provide immunity for inciting violence or hindering lawful state operations.”
Furthermore, the Coalition urged the President to enhance security measures and logistical support for NAIMOS and other anti-illegal mining task forces operating in high-risk regions to avert further assaults and protect their lives.
The Coalition also called upon Parliament to commence a disciplinary and ethics investigation into the alleged behavior of the involved Member of Parliament and to pass a bipartisan resolution denouncing violence against enforcement officers. It urged security agencies to apprehend and prosecute all individuals accountable for the attack and to improve protection for officers operating in unstable mining areas.
In addressing citizens and civil society, the Coalition encouraged Ghanaians to speak out against such actions, stressing that “environmental protection is a collective responsibility, and silence in the face of unlawful political actions fosters further impunity.”
The statement concluded with a caution that Ghana cannot succeed in combating galamsey if those in power continue to protect illegal operators or obstruct enforcement efforts. It stated that the nation is at a “critical juncture requiring decisive leadership, accountability, and collective determination.”
“The Republic must respond decisively and transparently to safeguard its officers, protect its natural resources, and uphold the rule of law,” the Coalition asserted.
The statement was co-signed by Kenneth Ashigbey, Kyei Kwadwo Yamoah, Senyo Hosi, and Daryl Bosu on behalf of the Ghana Coalition Against Galamsey.
