The Ghana Coalition Against Galamsey (GCAG) is calling on the government to declare a state of emergency in areas affected by illegal mining, warning that the situation has escalated into a national security threat.
In a statement released on Thursday, June 19, GCAG Convenor Kenneth Ashigbey cited the June 5, 2025 attack on former Deputy Minister Dr. Hannah Louisa Bissiw at Bui Sobinso during an illegal mining raid as evidence of growing lawlessness in galamsey-prone areas.
According to GCAG, these zones have become havens for gun-wielding gangs, posing a serious threat to citizens and the country’s democratic stability. The group is demanding swift and decisive action, including the deployment of military personnel, drone surveillance, and asset freezes.
“We demand a state of emergency in the required areas now,” the statement read. “The recent near-fatal attack on Dr. Hannah Louisa Bissiw…is not an isolated incident. It is a symptom of a lawless epidemic within the mining zones. Gun-wielding gangs now operate with terrifying boldness, and if this government does not act decisively, no one is safe.”
Ashigbey warned that these areas are at risk of becoming training grounds for mercenaries, further undermining national security.
“This justifies our long-standing demand for a state of emergency in critical mining zones,” the statement added, calling for enhanced enforcement through military presence and technological tools such as drone monitoring.
The GCAG’s appeal follows growing public frustration over Parliament’s slow response to illegal mining and its devastating impact on forests, water bodies, and local communities.
“So, a state of emergency will empower the security forces to nip this emerging national security threat in the bud,” the coalition warned. “If this is not done urgently, the repercussions will be dire.”
Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh/Hamdia Mohammed
