By Edward Acquah, GNA
Accra, Oct. 11, GNA – Pressure group OccupyGhana has delivered an open letter to President John Dramani Mahama, calling for urgent action against illegal small-scale mining, popularly known as “galamsey.”
In a letter dated September 29, 2025, the Group demanded a clear road map and accountability mechanisms.
The letter recounts that exactly three years earlier — on 28 September 2022 — OccupyGhana had addressed a similar appeal to then President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo over the unbridled expansion of galamsey.
In the “reminder” letter to President Mahama, the group lamented that “those promises have gone unfulfilled” and warned that weekly reminders would be sent to press for enforcement.
The letter called for “immediate, impartial enforcement of the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703)” and a public declaration of a state of emergency in mining-affected areas.
“We demand immediate action to deal with the issue … the crisis has only worsened dramatically. The case for declaring a targeted State of Emergency in affected mining areas is today even more urgent and compelling than it was three years ago,” it said.
Illegal mining remains one of Ghana’s most pressing environmental challenges. It has led to the destruction of farmlands, pollution of rivers, and deforestation, despite numerous government interventions.
A recent scientific study by Pure Earth and Environmental Protection Authority revealed that mercury used in illegal mining had contaminated some food items, raising serious public health concerns.
At a recent meeting with civil society organisations, President Mahama reiterated his commitment to combatting illegal mining and pledged transparency in the fight.
President Mahama said he would not hesitate to declare a state of emergency if advised by national security and relevant institutions.
GNA
Christian Akorlie