The Ghana Coalition Against Galamsey has called on the government to intensify its crackdown on key actors behind illegal mining, urging swift investigations and prosecutions to dismantle the networks fuelling the practice.
The Coalition specifically demanded action against two National Democratic Congress (NDC) constituency chairpersons from Axim and Dunkwa, who have been accused of involvement in illegal mining activities.
Although the Presidency has acknowledged receipt of the Coalition’s petition, the group says it is yet to receive an official response.
Speaking to Citi News on Monday, July 14, 2025, the Convener of the Coalition, Dr. Ken Ashigbey, emphasised the need to go after the masterminds of galamsey, describing them as central to the crisis.
“It is important that we deal with the kingpins involved in this. The president himself said in October 2024 that if we are to deal with this mess, it should be the kingpins. He even spoke of offering rewards for identifying those involved in illegal gold trade,” Dr. Ashigbey stated.
“We have named specific individuals. Now, we need to see decisive action taken against them—both in terms of the mining operations and the broader illegal trade.”
The Coalition also pressed the government for updates on ongoing investigations into Akonta Mining, a company previously flagged for engaging in illegal activities within protected forest reserves.
“What has happened with the Akonta Mining case? We know one of the directors has been arrested, but what about the rest? And what’s the status of Heritage Imperial—the same company that was given a prospecting license and still went on to destroy parts of forest reserves?” he queried.
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