Galamsey Now Explosive Threat To Ghana’s Security! —GCAG Warns

The Ghana Coalition Against Galamsey (GCAG) has warned that illegal mining was becoming an "explosive threat" to national security and cohesion.

The warning comes after a violent clash between illegal miners and military personnel at the AngloGold Ashanti Obuasi Mine on Sunday, January 19, 2025, which left nine people dead and one soldier injured. 

According to reports, a group of 60 illegal miners breached the mine's security fence and attempted to access the Deep Decline area. When soldiers tried to stop them, the miners opened fire, sparking a shootout.

President John Dramani Mahama has ordered an immediate investigation into the incident.

In a statement, the GCAG urged President Dramani Mahama to take swift action, including declaring a state of emergency over Ghana's water bodies and deploying the military to clear out all illegal miners.

"The perpetrators have exploited perceived leadership and governmental silence on the matter, leading to an increase in illegal mining activities," the GCAG statement said.

The Coalition warned that the situation was spiraling out of control and poses significant threats to public health, the environment, and the economy.

“Despite these efforts, since the December 2024 elections, we have witnessed a further decline in the situation. The perpetrators have exploited perceived leadership and governmental silence on the matter, leading to an increase in illegal mining activities.”

“The tragic incidents at Ntrotroso and Obuasi a few days back, – whatever will be the outcome of an official independent investigation called by HE President Mahama, which we fully support – are a timely reminder that this problem is an explosive threat to national security and cohesion,” the GCAG statement cautioned.

It wants President Mahama to among others declare a state of emergency over our water bodies & get the military to clear everyone found on the water bodies (mining on the water bodies is illegal).