The Coalition Against Galamsey, Ghana, has called on President John Dramani Mahama to take decisive action following a violent attack on members of the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations taskforce (NAIMOS) and allied security officers during an operation in the Asutifi North area.
In a strongly worded statement, the Coalition condemned the assault, describing it as a grave attack on national security and the rule of law. The group expressed deep concern over reports that a sitting Member of Parliament allegedly incited or mobilised residents to obstruct and physically confront the enforcement officers carrying out lawful anti-galamsey duties.
According to the Coalition, such political interference in the enforcement of anti-illegal mining laws is “an unacceptable betrayal of public trust” and undermines Ghana’s ongoing fight against environmental destruction caused by galamsey.
It warned that protecting illegal mining operations for political gain amounts to “complicity in environmental destruction, economic sabotage, and the erosion of lawful authority.”
The Coalition urged the President to publicly reaffirm a zero-tolerance stance on political interference in the anti-galamsey campaign by issuing a strong national statement condemning the violence against enforcement officers.
It also called for an independent investigation into the Asutifi North incident, with the findings made public and accountability pursued regardless of the political standing of anyone involved.
The group further demanded that law enforcement agencies prosecute all perpetrators in accordance with the law, stressing that “political status does not confer immunity for inciting violence or obstructing lawful state operations.”
Additionally, the Coalition appealed to the President to strengthen security protection and logistics for NAIMOS and other anti-illegal mining task forces operating in high-risk areas to prevent further attacks and safeguard their lives.
The Coalition also urged Parliament to initiate a disciplinary and ethics inquiry into the alleged conduct of the Member of Parliament involved and to adopt a bipartisan resolution condemning violence against enforcement officers. It called on security agencies to arrest and prosecute all individuals responsible for the assault and to enhance protection for officers working in volatile mining zones.
Addressing citizens and civil society, the Coalition encouraged Ghanaians not to remain silent in the face of such acts, emphasising that “environmental protection is a shared responsibility, and silence in the face of unlawful political conduct encourages further impunity.”
The statement concluded with a warning that Ghana cannot win the fight against galamsey if those in authority continue to shield illegal operators or obstruct enforcement. It said the nation stands at a “pivotal moment requiring decisive leadership, accountability, and unified resolve.”
“The Republic must act firmly and transparently to protect its officers, safeguard its natural heritage, and defend the rule of law,” the Coalition insisted.
The statement was jointly signed by Kenneth Ashigbey, Kyei Kwadwo Yamoah, Senyo Hosi, and Daryl Bosu on behalf of the Ghana Coalition Against Galamsey.
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