The Coalition Against Galamsey, Ghana (GCAG) has condemned a violent attack on officers of the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Squad (NAIMOS) and allied security personnel during an operation in the Asutifi North District.

In a statement signed by Kenneth Ashigbey, Convenor of the Coalition, the group expressed outrage over reports that a sitting Member of Parliament allegedly incited or mobilised community members to confront and obstruct the officers.

“This is a grave affront to national security, democratic governance, and the rule of law,” the Coalition said, warning that such acts endanger both the environment and the lives of enforcement personnel.

Illegal Mining: A National Crisis

The Coalition reiterated that illegal mining, or galamsey, continues to cause devastating harm to Ghana’s environment and economy. 

“Our rivers are polluted with mercury and heavy metals, forests are degraded, and livelihoods are at risk,” the statement noted.

It stressed that NAIMOS officers act under constitutional authority and that any aggression against them “is an aggression against the State and the collective future of Ghanaian citizens.”

 Political Interference ‘Unacceptable’

The group described political interference in anti-galamsey efforts as an “unacceptable betrayal of public trust.” It warned that mobilising citizens to protect illegal miners is not representation but “complicity in environmental destruction and economic sabotage.”

 GCAG’s Demands

The Coalition therefore, has called on the President John Dramani Mahama to take urgent action, which includes:

1. Issuing a national statement reaffirming zero tolerance for political interference;
2. Ordering an independent investigation into the attack, with findings made public;
3. Ensuring the prosecution of all perpetrators, regardless of political status; and
4. Strengthening security and logistics for NAIMOS teams operating in high-risk areas.

The group also urged Parliament to investigate the alleged conduct of the MP involved and pass a bipartisan resolution condemning the assault. Security agencies, it said, must arrest and prosecute those responsible.

Citizens Urged to Speak Up

GCAG called on civil society organisations, the media, traditional leaders, and citizens not to stay silent. “Environmental protection is a shared responsibility. Silence in the face of unlawful political conduct only encourages impunity,” the statement said.

 “This Attack Cannot Be Normalised”

Concluding, the Coalition insisted that the nation must not allow violence against state officers to become acceptable.

“Ghana cannot win the fight against galamsey if those in authority undermine enforcement and foster impunity,” it said.  

According to the statement, “the Republic must act firmly and transparently to protect its officers, safeguard the environment, and uphold the rule of law.”

However, the statement was endorsed by Kenneth Ashigbey, Kyei Kwadwo Yamoah, Senyo Hosi, and Daryl Bosu, alongside several civil society groups, professional associations, and advocacy networks under the Ghana Coalition Against Galamsey.

Sompaonline.com/Derrick Djan