Civil society group OccupyGhana has once again demanded urgent government action to halt illegal gold mining, also known as galamsey, in Ghana.

Since 2016, the group has persistently called on the government to address the environmental, public health, and food security threats posed by galamsey.

In its latest series of weekly open letters to the President, OccupyGhana has reiterated its demands for decisive measures to end the illegal practice.

The organisation recalled its initial support for the government’s efforts to combat galamsey in 2017 but criticised the administration in 2021 for resorting to illegal tactics such as burning equipment instead of arresting perpetrators and seizing their tools in accordance with the law.

OccupyGhana lamented the government’s initial legal efforts have since stalled, giving way to infighting and accusations of officials benefiting from galamsey, culminating in what the group describes as "complete inaction".

While expressing disappointment over the worsening situation, OccupyGhana® noted many Ghanaians had joined the call for action and regulation of the mining sector.

The group has reiterated five core demands:

Enforce the Law: OccupyGhana urged the government to enforce Ghana’s Minerals and Mining Act, which prohibits mining without proper authorisation, mining outside designated concessions, and the use of unapproved methods, with strict penalties for violations.

Declare a State of Emergency: The group called on the government to invoke Article 31 of the Constitution to declare a state of emergency in all areas affected by galamsey. It argued this move would immediately halt illegal mining and protect communities whose essential resources are under threat.

Confiscate All Galamsey Lands: OccupyGhana proposed amending the law to criminalise landowners who allow their property to be used for illegal mining, unless they can prove that their land was forcibly taken. Confiscated lands should be repurposed for public benefit, such as reforestation, farming, or regulated mining.

Take Immediate Action Against Galamsey Offenders: The group called for swift legal action against individuals and companies engaged in illegal mining, particularly in protected areas. It criticised the government for failing to act against politically connected offenders, which it argues has fostered a culture of impunity.

Address the Health Crisis: OccupyGhana highlighted the severe health impact of mercury poisoning from galamsey, which has contaminated water bodies and agricultural lands.

The group warned of a national health disaster if mercury exposure continued unchecked, citing recent water shortages in Cape Coast and Elmina and reports of congenital deformities in babies in affected areas.

The organisation concluded by urging President Nana Akufo-Addo to fulfill his 2017 promise to end galamsey, warning that failure to act would be a betrayal of the trust placed in him by Ghanaians.

OccupyGhana stressed the country must not become a "modern-day manifestation" of the myth of "Nero fiddling while Rome burned," and called for immediate and decisive action against the illegal practice.