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Coalition Against Galamsey urges Ghana government to intensify enforcement against illegal mining
via GhanaWeb2 min read
The Coalition Against Galamsey has called on the Ghanaian government to move beyond press briefings and strengthen law enforcement to combat illegal mining, known as galamsey. Speaking at a press conference, Convener Kenneth Ashigbey stated that decisive action is needed to stop the destruction of forests, rivers, and farmlands. While acknowledging some government progress, Ashigbey emphasized that the fight requires bold decisions, strict enforcement, and sustained action, not just press conferences. The Coalition welcomed the Attorney General's decision to drop charges against community members defending water bodies and appealed for justice for a 13-year-old victim in Kete Krachi affected by illegal mining. They also commended the revocation of Executive Instruments 144 and 234, which had opened parts of the Achimota Forest for development, calling it a significant step for Accra's "green lung." However, the Coalition warned that other forest reserves, including Atewa, Cape Three Points, Afua Hills, and Draw River, remain threatened by illegal mining and concessions. They urged the government to provide the Forestry Commission with adequate logistics, funding, personnel, and security support to effectively manage protected areas and proposed establishing permanent security camps in forest reserves. Ashigbey stressed that protecting Ghana's forests and water bodies is crucial for the country's future and requires sustained collaboration among government, civil society, trad
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by GhanaWeb.
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