Accra, Tuesday, July 29th, 2025: The attention of the Ghana Coalition Against Galamsey (GCAC), has been drawn to the unfortunate, shameful, and unlawful coordinated attack by agents of the National Security on three (3) offices of the Forestry Commission in the forest district offices of Bekwai, Nkawia, and Offinso.
Eyewitnesses’ reports mention more than 15 fully armed National Security agents were involved in the coordinated unlawful act. These actions, breaking doors, harassing staff, and forcefully shutting down operations, were reportedly aimed at intimidating and frustrating the good efforts of Forestry Commission staff involved in combating illegal mining in seven (7) forest reserves.
This act is not only an abuse of institutional power but also a grave breach of the rule of law, especially when executed by a security agency tasked with upholding it. It reflects a troubling trend of politically motivated interference in the work of state institutions protecting Ghana’s environment. GCAG, thus, demands swift and decisive action from the President, the Ministers of Lands and Natural Resources and Interior, and the National Security Coordinator to:
- Identify and prosecute all individuals, especially politically connected persons, who authorised or participated in this unlawful deployment.
- Arrest, prosecute, and dismiss all National Security operatives involved, particularly those captured on video.
- Establish an independent committee to investige this matter and to ensure transparency the implicated Ashanti Regional National Security Coordinator should be interdicted.
GCAG also condemns the appointment of politically exposed individuals without technical expertise to the Forestry Commission, calling for an end to such political interference that undermines professional efforts to protect Ghana’s forests.
The Coalition urges the government to demonstrate its commitment to good governance, institutional integrity, and environmental protection. Ghanaians are losing faith, and failure to act decisively will deepen public mistrust.
END
Signed for the Ghana Coalition Against Galamsey
| Kenneth Ashigbey | Prof M.A Akudugu | Senyo Hosi | Daryl Bosu | |||
| Convenor | Member | Member | Member | |||
| GCAG | GCAG | GCAG | GCAG | |||
| 0244315864 | 0504395605 | 0244224108 | 0202555727 |
About the Ghana Coalition Against Galamsey
The Ghana Coalition Against Galamsey (GCAG) is a leading force in the fight against galamsey. It comprises coalitions and a network of organisations from 10 blocks: the Media, Labour, Religious Groups, Youth Groups, Research and academia, Pressure Groups, CSOs, Professional Bodies, Traditional Leaders, and Businesses.
The Coalition is a united front, a common platform for all ‘Against Galamsey Groups’ (AGG) to harmonise advocacy and social action interventions in the fight against galamsey. Only through our unity and collective action can we effectively combat this issue.
The campaign’s focus against illegal mining activities is not limited to gold exploitation. It includes all mining offences committed under the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703) based on the premise that the 1992 Constitution of the Republic of Ghana states that any mining activity that takes place without ratification by Parliament is illegal. Our approach is comprehensive and thorough, leaving no room for illegal activities.
| Media Coalition Against Galamsey OneGhana Movement Ghana CSOs Platform on SDGs BRACE Kasa Initiative Ghana Stakeholder Engagement Forum General Transport, Petroleum & Chemical Workers Union Peasant Farmers Associations Ghana Institution of Engineering Institution of Engineering and Technology, Ghana Graduate Students Association of Ghana New Media Association of Ghana Ghana Institute of Architects Institute of Public Relations | Ghana Institute of Foresters Africa Centre for Energy Policy Chamber of Agribusiness Ghana Research Scientists Association – GAEC University Teachers Association of Ghana – UTAG Ghana Mine Workers Union Other Ghanaian Citizens of Repute |
