The fight against illegal mining, or galamsey, in Ghana is being hampered by a lack of prosecutions, according to Kenneth Ashigbey, convener of the Coalition Against Illegal Mining.
Speaking in an interview on Wednesday, January 7, Ing. Ashigbey called for a collaborative framework involving the President, Attorney General, Inspector General of Police, and Chief Justice to ensure effective prosecution and conviction of those involved in illegal mining.
He stressed the need to target the kingpins behind large-scale operations, noting that despite promises in 2024 to address the root causes of galamsey, little progress has been seen. Ing. Ashigbey also questioned the status of high-profile investigations, including the Akonta Mining case and reports implicating politically exposed persons.
Highlighting accountability at the local level, he said Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives must take responsibility for galamsey in their communities, warning that leaders who fail to control illegal mining are either incompetent or complicit.
He urged the President to work closely with ministers and hold local leaders accountable to ensure a more effective crackdown on galamsey.