As illegal mining continues to ravage Ghana’s environment and threaten public health, the Convener of the Media Coalition Against Galamsey, Dr. Ken Ashigbey, has issued a stark warning: the nation may lose the battle against galamsey if decisive action is not taken within the first half of President John Dramani Mahama’s new administration.
Speaking on Citi Eyewitness News on May 1, Dr. Ashigbey sounded the alarm over what he described as a rapidly closing window of opportunity. According to him, once the administration crosses its mid-point and political ambitions begin to dominate national focus ahead of the next election, the urgency and resolve to fight illegal mining may wane.
“If we don’t deal with it in the first two years, and the NDC starts clamouring for his [President Mahama’s] seat because the next election is going to come, it will be a lost battle,” he warned.
Dr. Ashigbey, a longtime advocate against illegal mining, stressed the importance of collective pressure from all sectors of society, especially professional bodies. He noted that while the media has played a leading role in exposing the devastation caused by galamsey, a broader coalition is needed to hold government accountable and ensure sustained action.
“We need to call on all professional bodies to join the media… to bring the necessary pressure—commending the President where it is due, and also speaking out where they are falling short,” he urged.
His comments follow growing public concern over the irreversible environmental damage caused by illegal mining, particularly the pollution of water bodies and destruction of forest reserves across the country. Despite several initiatives over the years, including military interventions and policy reforms, galamsey remains one of Ghana’s most persistent and politically sensitive issues.
For Dr. Ashigbey, the urgency is clear: Ghana must act now, before electoral politics eclipses the national will to protect its environment.
