The Coalition of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in Agriculture, Aquaculture, and Fisheries has called for the immediate resignation or dismissal of the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel Abu Jinapor, along with his deputies.

The CSOs cited the failure of the Minister and his deputies to effectively tackle illegal mining, known as "galamsey," which continues to ravage Ghana’s environment and threaten livelihoods.

In a statement released on Thursday, 12 September 2024 by the Chamber of Agribusiness, the coalition criticised the Ministry’s leadership for its inability to address the crisis.

The CSOs called on President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, the executive, and Parliament to take decisive action against galamsey.

“We, the coalition of Civil Society Organisations in Agriculture, Aquaculture, and Fisheries, representing key industry bodies and stakeholders, urgently call upon Ghana’s president, the executive, and parliament to address the critical issue of illegal mining (galamsey) wreaking havoc on the nation’s agricultural and aquatic ecosystems,” the statement read.

The coalition outlined a series of demands, including the immediate cessation of all galamsey activities, and called for the resignation or dismissal of the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources and his deputies.

Additionally, the CSOs urged the restoration of degraded lands, prosecution of those responsible for illegal mining, and the implementation of sustainable mining practices to support affected communities.

The CSOs also called for the establishment of a National Anti-Galamsey Steering Committee, comprising respected non-partisan citizens and key stakeholders, and the deployment of military and police personnel to affected areas to halt ongoing illegal activities.

Further, the coalition proposed urgent measures such as environmental assessments, the provision of alternative livelihoods for those affected by illegal mining, the development of a National Mining Policy, and the creation of a Galamsey Rehabilitation Fund.

They also advocated for the promotion of agroforestry and reforestation efforts to restore degraded lands.

The coalition stressed that immediate action is needed to protect the country’s natural resources, warning that continued inaction would have severe consequences for Ghana’s agricultural and aquatic ecosystems.