The Ghana Coalition Against Galamsey (GCAG) has issued a scathing statement condemning what it describes as an “unlawful and politically motivated” raid by National Security operatives on three Forestry Commission district offices in the Ashanti Region.
According to the coalition, more than 15 fully armed National Security agents stormed the Bekwai, Nkawie, and Offinso forest district offices, forcefully shutting down operations and intimidating staff involved in anti-illegal mining operations across seven forest reserves.
“This shameful and coordinated act is a gross abuse of institutional power and a dangerous affront to the rule of law,” the coalition declared in a statement released on Tuesday, July 29. “It reflects a disturbing pattern of political interference aimed at undermining state institutions working to protect Ghana’s environment.”
Demands for Immediate Action
GCAG is demanding swift and concrete steps from the Presidency and key state agencies, including the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, Ministry of the Interior, and the National Security Secretariat. Among the key demands are:
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The identification and prosecution of all persons, particularly politically connected individuals, who authorised or participated in the raids.
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The dismissal and prosecution of the National Security operatives involved, especially those captured in video evidence.
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The immediate interdiction of the Ashanti Regional National Security Coordinator and the formation of an independent investigative committee to ensure transparency.
Concerns Over Political Appointments
The coalition also decried what it described as the reckless politicisation of key institutions, criticising the appointment of individuals without technical expertise to senior positions at the Forestry Commission.
“This undermines professional efforts and frustrates the fight against illegal mining,” the statement said, calling for a merit-based approach to appointments within environmental institutions.
Warning of Public Distrust
GCAG warned that failure to act on the matter could further erode public trust in government institutions and deepen citizen disillusionment with the state’s commitment to good governance.
“Ghanaians are losing faith,” the statement read. “If the government fails to act decisively, it will confirm suspicions of complicity and weaken national resolve against illegal mining.”
Broad Coalition Behind the Call
The Ghana Coalition Against Galamsey is a formidable alliance of media organisations, religious groups, civil society organisations, professional bodies, youth networks, academia, and trade unions—all united in the fight against illegal mining.
The group reiterated that its advocacy targets not just illegal gold mining but all violations under the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703), including operations carried out without Parliamentary ratification as required by the 1992 Constitution.
