The Ghana Coalition Against Galamsey (GCAG) has asserted galamsey is “an explosive threat to national security and cohesion”.

In a statement signed by Convener Ken Ashibey, the coalition noted its successes in fighting galamsey in 2024.

“Our efforts led to the government suspending the operationalisation of L.I. 2462 and introducing enhanced measures, including deploying 100 military officers to protect selected water bodies and enforcing the arrest of illegal miners,” GCAG said.

“We also secured the signing of a pledge to fight Galamsey by eight of the presidential candidates, including His Excellency President John D. Mahama, at the just-ended national elections.”

It bemoaned, however, that “since the December 2024 elections, we have witnessed a further decline in the situation”.

GCAG alluded to the recent gun battle between galamsey operators and military at an Obuasi mine, resulting in the death of seven galamsey operators.

In light of this, the coalition outlined four actionable steps that must be undertaken by President John Mahama’s government to stay the destructive hand of galamsey.

Read the statement below: