Mines & Energy

Kenneth Ashigbey, Convener of the Media Coalition Against Illegal Mining and CEO of the Ghana Chamber of Mines, has strongly responded to accusations from Deputy Chief of Staff Stan Dogbe, who alleged that Ashigbey’s anti-galamsey advocacy is politically motivated.

 

Ken Ashigbey, a prominent voice in the fight against illegal mining, locally known as galamsey, has long pressured successive governments to take decisive action against environmental degradation. He was among civil society leaders who met with former President John Dramani Mahama last Friday to discuss the ongoing crisis.

Kenneth Ashigbey

In a Facebook post on Sunday, October 5, Ken Ashigbey highlighted active illegal mining operations near Simpa township on the Tarkwa-Takoradi road: “Around the Simpa township on the Tarkwa to Takoradi road, there is galamsey happening in clear sight. Is the MCE not aware? HE, John Dramani Mahama, please, this MCE cannot be representing your interests. I can see it from the road today, Sunday, the 5th of October 2025. They are working and polluting the waters.”

 

Stan Dogbe responded critically, suggesting Ashigbey’s advocacy lacked constructive engagement and was politically tinted: “If your government, in the 8 years of your ‘coloured’ fight, had demonstrated the political will and clear strategies deployed in the last 9 months, I guess we would not be here. Instead of gaining on negativity as a form of advocacy, you and your team, as advised by the president, should keep up the fight, but I add do it constructively and stop hiding behind political bias to gain a voice.”

 

Ken Ashigbey clapped back, expressing disappointment and rejecting claims of partisanship: “‘My government,’ really? Well, some in the NPP said the same. Thankfully, Ghanaians can judge my actions for themselves. My focus has NEVER been on those who, like you, see every national issue through partisan lenses. My commitment is to Ghana and to those who genuinely care about our nation’s future. They recognise the consistency of our message and the sincerity of our advocacy. When we began this fight in 2017, where were you? What was your contribution to the struggle against galamsey under the NPP? Was that when you also thought our advocacy was ‘negative’? History will judge us all.”

 

He further emphasized his commitment to solutions over rhetoric:

 

“Some of us are focused on solutions, not noise. You may ask the Minister of Lands, the Hon Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah — whenever we engage, we present concrete proposals. We’ve even shared a comprehensive paper with H.E. John Dramani Mahama at the event on Friday, the 3rd of October 2025, detailing actionable solutions. This is a matter of public record.”

 

Ashigbey also addressed the broader implications of illegal mining and the environmental toll it’s taking:

 

“Ghanaians can see that our work is not driven by money or politics. They know that our fight is against the imminent environmental crisis threatening all of us, not an exercise in negativity. Perhaps you are not as concerned about the poisoning of our water bodies or the destruction of our environment. Yes, you can now afford imported brands like Voss. I cannot. My children and family depend on the resources here in Ghana, the same ones being destroyed daily.”

 

He concluded with a firm rejection of political bias and a call to uphold civic responsibility:

 

“I hold NO POLITICAL BIAS — and you know that. Yet, for reasons best known to you, you now seek to misrepresent me. I pray that God forgives you for the falsehoods you spread about me. The truth, and the internet, will not forget. Why should I stay silent when I see wrongdoing? Even HE, the President himself, has called on all of us to support the fight against galamsey. The Minister of Lands urged citizens to speak up when they see something wrong. Would you rather we disobey that call?”

Source : Peacefmonline.com/Ghana

 

Source: Albert Kuzor

 

 

BY: Kyei Kwadwo Yamoah, Executive Director of HELP Foundation Africa

In Ghana, illegal small-scale mining (“galamsey”) has become a major national security, environmental, and public health crisis. It has polluted major rivers (Pra, Ankobra, Offin, Birim), destroyed forests, undermined food security, and contributed to social conflicts.

Despite multiple interventions, galamsey persists, driven by powerful financiers and facilitated by weak enforcement also traditional regulatory measures have not yielded the desired impact

The author

A State of Emergency is an extraordinary constitutional tool that could be invoked to address galamsey, but it comes with both opportunities and risks.

Here is how State of Emergency (SoE) could be used:

1. Legal Basis
   Under Ghana’s 1992 Constitution (Article 31), the President can declare a State of Emergency when:
2. Ghana is at war or under threat of invasion,
3. There is a breakdown of public order and safety,
4. Natural disasters or other emergencies threaten the life of the nation.

If galamsey is recognized as an existential environmental and security threat; polluting rivers, destroying forests, undermining food security, and fueling armed conflicts. it could justify the declaration of State of Emergency (SoE) Against Galamsey.

1. Potential Uses of a State of Emergency Against Galamsey
   a) Enhanced Security Deployment
   o Military and police forces could be legally empowered to establish restricted zones in heavily affected galamsey areas.
   o Security could dismantle illegal mining operations, confiscate equipment, and secure rivers/forests without the usual bureaucratic/legal delays.

b) Fast-Tracking Environmental Protection Measures
o Emergency powers could allow the state to suspend or override licenses, leases, or permits being abused.
o Rapid reclamation programs could be implemented with less red tape.

c) Strict Control of Mining Equipment and Chemicals
o Ban or tightly regulate the importation of excavators, dredges, and mercury.
o Emergency powers could allow for immediate seizure and destruction of illegal machinery used for galamsey.

d) Protection of Water and Food Security
o Rivers like Pra, Ankobra, and Offin are national lifelines. By framing galamsey as a public health emergency, emergency orders could criminalize river pollution at the highest level.

e) Coordinated National Response
o A State of Emergency would allow the government to mobilize extraordinary budget allocations, direct coordination between agencies (Forestry, Minerals Commission, EPA, security services), and establish special task forces with sweeping powers.
o Deploy a real-time monitoring system (drones, satellite data, citizen hotlines).

1. Advantages of State of Emergency Against Galamsey
   Decisive Action: SoE provides extraordinary powers to override bureaucratic delays, mobilize resources, and coordinate agencies.
   Sends a strong political signal that the government prioritizes the environment and national survival.
   Cuts through the bureaucratic bottlenecks that galamsey actors exploit.
   Mobilizes national and international support (donors, UN, ECOWAS) for anti-galamsey efforts.
   Can deter powerful actors (including politicians and business elites) who profit from galamsey.

2. Risks and Concerns of State of Emergency Against Galamsey
   Human rights abuses: Security crackdowns could lead to violence, loss of livelihoods, or victimization of poor miners instead of targeting the “big men” behind galamsey.
   Political misuse: Could be abused for political gain, silencing dissent, or targeting opponents.
   Economic backlash: Tens of thousands depend on small-scale mining; without alternatives, unrest may grow.
   Sustainability: Emergency powers are temporary without structural reforms, galamsey could resurge.

3. Complementary Measures Needed
   Declaring a State of Emergency alone is not enough. To be effective, it should be combined with:
   Alternative livelihoods (agriculture, youth employment programs, eco-tourism, community skills programs, etc). Emergency funds for smallholder farmers affected by water pollution.
   Legal reforms to tighten mining regulations and close loopholes.
   Community-based monitoring with chiefs and local assemblies.
   Public education to shift cultural acceptance of galamsey.
   Accountability at the top: target financiers and political patrons, not just miners on the field.

Safeguards Against Abuse
· Time-bound and targeted : Limit SoE to a defined period (e.g., 6 months, renewable only with Parliamentary approval). Restrict scope to affected mining districts, not the entire country.
· Human Rights Protections : Establish independent oversight committees with civil society and traditional leaders. Provide grievance mechanisms for communities and small-scale miners.
· Accountability for Financiers: Focus enforcement on financiers, political patrons, and equipment suppliers, not only poor miners in the pits.
· Transparency: Monthly public reporting by the Task Force on actions taken, arrests, reclamation progress, and funds spent.

In summary: A State of Emergency in Ghana could be legally justified if galamsey is framed as a national survival crisis affecting water, food, and security. It could allow decisive security, environmental, and legal action. However, without safeguards, it risks abuse, human rights violations, and temporary fixes. The best path is to use it as a catalyst for deep reforms, not as a standalone solution.

 

 

The Ashanti Regional Executives of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) led by Nana Akwasi Andrews, paid a courtesy visit to the Chief of Toase, Nana Yim Awere Ababio, and the Toasehemaa, Nana Amonu Gyamfua Serwaa Bonsu, on the occasion of Akwasidae.

Chairman Nana Akwasi

The delegation was accompanied by two prominent Municipal Chief Executive Officers: Hon. Wisdom Osei Boamah of Atwima Nwabiagya South Municipal Assembly and Ishaq Ibrahim of Atwima Mponua District Assembly.

Items presented

Nana Akwasi Andrews, speaking on behalf of the party, expressed their heartfelt gratitude to the chiefs and people of Toase for their blessings and prayers during the last year’s polls. He emphasized that, the visit was a gesture of appreciation for the support and goodwill extended to the party.

Nana Yim Awere Ababio, in response, urged the Municipal District Chief Executives (MDCEs) to prioritize the development of their respective municipalities. He, also charged them to be truthful in their ways and dealings, emphasizing that this would be crucial in making President John Dramani Mahama’s vision and plans for the country successful and unique.

Nana Yim Awere Ababio

The chief, expressed his dissatisfaction with the state of the Afari military hospital, which has been left unattended. He, therefore, appealed for improvement of the road networks within his territory, highlighting the need for better infrastructure to support the local communities.

Nana Yim Awere Ababio also condemned the rise of illegal mining in the area and charged leaders to help combat this menace. He emphasized the importance of collective efforts in stopping illegal mining activities, which pose a significant threat to the environment and the well-being of the people.

The courtesy visit was a significant gesture of goodwill and appreciation, highlighting the importance of collaboration and cooperation between the government, party executives, and traditional leaders. The chief’s concerns and charges served as a reminder of the need for collective efforts to address the challenges facing the communities and to work towards a brighter future.By: tntnewspapergh.com

 

The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) says it has successfully traced all its missing containers and retrieved more than 1,000 from the port, marking a major step in addressing logistics challenges that had hampered its operations.

Briefing the Energy Committee of Parliament on the company’s operations, acting Managing Director of ECG, Ing. Julius Kpekpena, said the company had made “a lot of progress” since May, when many of the containers could not be traced.

“So far, we have moved over a thousand containers. I’m happy to say that we traced all of the containers and we started moving them from the port,” he noted.

Mr Kpekpena added that ECG has also intensified efforts to stabilise the power supply.

“We have managed to curb outages. We are not saying that we have eliminated outages, but we’ve worked to curb outages, and we are continuing to put in measures to make sure that we don’t go back to what we came to meet,” he said.

Background

An investigative report on the operations of ECG had revealed that more than 1,300 containers, which were supposed to be cleared at the Tema Port, could not be accounted for.

The chairman of the committee that conducted the investigation, Prof Innocent Senyo Acquah, disclosed that while ECG claimed to have 2,491 uncleared containers that contained cables as well as other equipment belonging to ECG, an independent audit at the port found only 1,134, leaving 1,347 unaccounted for.

He presented the findings to the Minister of Energy and Green Transition, John Abdulai Jinapor.

According to Prof Acquah, before 2022, ECG had a dedicated fund that received weekly allocations for clearing the containers. However, the practice was discontinued, with the ECG board citing a lack of funds.

Meanwhile, during this period, the company awarded contracts to two firms to clear the containers, with one being pre-financed by ECG.

It was further discovered that one of these companies lacked the necessary licence to carry out the contract, raising concerns over procurement breaches.

The committee also found that ECG’s procurement directorate had been merged with its Housing and Estate unit.

Additionally, background checks on the Director of Procurement revealed that he had no prior experience in procurement and was not a member of any professional procurement body.Source: Prince Adu-Owusu

The government is taking a bold step to protect its precious water bodies from the ravages of illegal mining, also known as galamsey.

The Lands and Natural Resources Ministry has announced plans to deploy military and security forces to key river bodies, marking a significant escalation in the fight against this environmental menace.

The Deputy Lands and Natural Resources Minister, Yusif Sulemana, speaking at the 11th West and Central Africa Mining Summit on Thursday, September 25, explained that, unlike the Blue Water Guard, whose interventions are often temporary, the military presence will serve as a stronger deterrent.

He noted that illegal miners usually return to the sites after being dispersed, which makes the current approach unsustainable.

According to him, deploying the military or setting up permanent security zones along the river bodies will provide continuous enforcement and prevent the miners from regrouping.

Meanwhile, former Lands and Natural Resources Minister Samuel Abu Jinapor has questioned the effectiveness of the move.

Speaking on Joy FM’s Super Morning Show, he argued that declaring water bodies and forest reserves as security zones is not new, pointing out that during his tenure, such areas were already classified as red zones.

“We even went as far as burning excavators found 200 meters from riverbanks and forest reserves. So the question is, what new implications or enforcement measures will this declaration bring?” Mr Jinapor said.

He maintained that what Ghanaians are expecting is for President John Mahama to honour the National Democratic Congress’ (NDC) campaign promise to declare a state of emergency on illegal mining, describing it as the “most effective tool” in tackling the menace.

Mr Jinapor also cautioned against politicising the galamsey fight, stressing that both the NDC and the New Patriotic Party (NPP) must present a united front to protect the country’s forests and water bodies from destruction.Source: Myjoyonline.com

Former Managing Director of the State Transport Company (STC), Nana Akomea, has descended heavily on the government following what he describes as their woeful attempt to end the illegal mining activities, popularly referred to as galamsey.

Speaking on Tuesday Morning, September 23, 2025, during a panel discussion on Peace FM’s Kokrokoo morning show, Nana Akomea maintained that, the government of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), while in opposition, offered a myriad of solutions that could end illegal mining, but are currently running away from the same solutions they offered to the erstwhile Nana Addo Danquah Akufo-Addo-led government.

Nana Akomea and President John Mahama

The issues of illegal mining activities have severely impacted Ghana’s environment, posing existential threats to the country’s ecosystem and human health. Over 60% of Ghana’s rich forest reserve has been depleted, with more than 100,000 acres of cocoa farms ruthlessly ruined, with Ghana risking its position as the second largest exporter of Cocoa following a drastic decline in the quality of cocoa.

There has been an increase in neurological disorders, kidney failures, and birth defects, largely caused by the dangerous chemical residues from galamsey activities.

Following the danger that lies ahead for all Ghanaians if the menace remains unchecked, pressure continues to mount on the President, John Dramani Mahama, to take decisive measures, including the declaration of a state of emergency.

However, President John Dramani declined the call, further describing it as unnecessary because the state has not fully utilised the resources available for the fight against galamsey.

Reacting to the President’s position, Nana Akomea said, “The government has done some highly commendable things, but for the fight against galamsey, they have failed woefully beyond comprehension. While they were in opposition, they showed us ways we could stop the galamsey activities. All the bigwigs in NDC proposed ways the galamsey menace could be stopped, which included the declaration of a state of emergency, a ban on mining, as well prosecuting Chinese expatriates who are involved in galamsey.

“President John Mahama even accused the former government of not having the political will. Ghanaians listened to your outburst and have handed over power to you. What is preventing you from exploring all the proposals you have for dealing with the menace? he quizzed. As the pressure continues to be mounted on the President, the question remains whether President John Dramani will finally declare a state of emergency and ban all forms of mining in the coming days. Source : Kobina Darlington/Peacefmonline.com

The Ayensu River, once a lifeline for communities across the Central Region, now runs thick and brown, leaving residents of Kwanyako and nearby Mankrong scrambling for safe water and livelihoods.

Scenes at the shut-down Kwanyako Water Treatment Plant and along the riverbanks laid bare a crisis driven by illegal gold mining, locally known as galamsey.

Standing at the gates of the idle treatment plant, Dennis Miracles Aboagye, Director of Communications for Dr Bawumia’s campaign, held a press conference to demand fresh strategies.

“The NDC must show new alternatives in the fight against galamsey, not recycle old methods they once criticised. They gave six clear promises, and already one timeline has expired,” Miracles told journalists from the plant compound, underscoring political pressure being played out where the damage is most visible.

 

At the same time, other NPP communicators were on the ground, drawing attention to the human cost.

“This is not water anymore”, they lamented.

A few minutes’ drive from the treatment plant, in Mankrong, the river cuts a brown swath through community life. Residents said boreholes now yield discoloured water that must be boiled and treated with alum before use. “We once drank from this river, but today we can’t even bathe with it,” a concerned elder told JoyNews. “We vote for leaders who don’t think about our well-being.”

Another resident who was getting ready to bathe described a daily routine of boiling and treating borehole water. Food sellers who depend on the river for cleaning and food processing reported sharp drops in business, saying customers and vendors alike now fear contamination.

The wider impact

The Kwanyako Headworks historically supplies more than 30 districts across the region. Residents warn that without immediate relief, be it alternative water supplies or substantive action against illegal gold mining, the consequences will deepen: collapsing livelihoods, health risks, and stalled local economies.

Farmers say crops are suffering; fishmongers report dwindling catches. Community leaders described the erosion of social life that once revolved around the river, now replaced by worry and daily survival tactics.

Politics at the riverbank

Miracles’ press conference at the treatment plant folded political critique into the local emergency, calling on the ruling government to present new, implementable plans rather than repeat old policies. Opposition figures have, in turn, blamed the government’s enforcement record, saying more decisive action is overdue.

The political exchanges from Miracles’ presser to on-the-ground appeals by other party communicators have turned the Kwanyako plant site into both a theatre of protest and a place for policy argument. For residents, however, the debate matters less than whether they will have clean water anytime soon.

Until solutions arrive, Kwanyako and Mankrong residents will continue to rely on makeshift treatment and expensive alternatives. “We are suffering now,” said one food seller. “Tomorrow may be worse if nothing changes.”Source: Jacqueline Ansomah Yeboah

 

The Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference (GCBC) has called on President John Dramani Mahama to establish specialised courts to expedite the prosecution of illegal miners and their enablers, warning that the country’s galamsey crisis has reached a national emergency level.

In a statement signed by its President, Most Rev. Matthew Kwasi Gyamfi, on Monday, September 15, 2025, the Bishops described galamsey as “one of the gravest afflictions of our time,” citing its destructive impact on rivers, forests, farmlands, and human health.

“It ravages our rivers and forests, poisons our soil, endangers public health, corrupts governance, erodes our moral fibre, and extinguishes livelihoods. This is not a routine challenge to be managed with half-measures; it is a national emergency requiring decisive, extraordinary response,” the statement read.

The Bishops warned that rivers such as the Pra, Ankobra, Birim, Offin and Ayensu have been contaminated with mercury and other toxins, with turbidity levels exceeding treatment capacity of the Ghana Water Company. Forests and farmlands have been stripped bare, while deadly pits pose ongoing hazards to communities.

Highlighting the need for swift and effective legal action, the GCBC urged the government to set up specialised courts, saying this would allow faster prosecution of offenders and curb impunity. The Bishops emphasised that legal action must target not only small-scale miners but also politicians, chiefs, security officers, and other leaders who shield illegal operations. “This betrayal of trust cuts to the very marrow of our national identity. We call such leaders to repentance without delay,” the statement said.

The Bishops also recommended the creation of a permanent, corruption-proof task force made up of security agencies, environmental experts, and local authorities to ensure consistent enforcement of laws. Other measures included curfews in volatile mining zones, revision of mining laws with stiffer penalties, afforestation programmes, and alternative livelihoods for those driven to illegal mining by poverty.

Describing galamsey as a public health and national security threat, the GCBC highlighted that toxins from illegal mining are entering the food chain, contributing to cancers and neurological disorders, while criminal networks profit and violent conflicts escalate in mining areas.

The Bishops appealed to all Ghanaians to resist the lure of quick wealth, urging chiefs, politicians, religious leaders, and security agencies to uphold their responsibilities. “This struggle is no

t merely about law enforcement. It concerns the very soul of Ghana. It is about whether we choose life or death, blessing or curse,” the statement said.

Concluding their message, the Bishops called on the government to act decisively. “With God’s grace, let us choose life, for ourselves, for our children, and for generations yet unborn,” the statement urged.Source:Jonathan Adjei

 

The Coalition Against illegal Mining has renewed its demand for the government to declare a state of emergency in areas affected by galamsey across the country.

According to the group, illegal mining has become a grave threat to livelihoods, public health, and national security, requiring urgent intervention.

Addressing a press conference in Accra on Monday, September 15, the Convenor of the Coalition, Dr. Ing. Kenneth Ashigbey, urged the government to act decisively.

Dr. Ing. Kenneth Ashigbey                                         A file photo of galamsey site

“We are, therefore, making the following demands of the government in response to the president’s statement on deploying a state of emergency as a last resort. One, by Article 31 9A and B, the circumstances under which a state of emergency may be declared include the current galamsey situation in which the actions being taken by the environmental criminals are calculated to deprive large communities of potable water, which is an essential of life,” he said.

The coalition also cited Ghana Water Limited’s recent push for higher tariffs as evidence of the rising cost of water treatment caused by galamsey pollution. It called on the utility provider to regularly publish water turbidity levels nationwide so citizens can know whether treated water meets World Health Organisation standards.

In addition, the group pressed government to prosecute officials complicit in illegal mining, stressing that merely blaming previous administrations is not enough.Source:Samuel Ackom

 

 

 

The Deputy Minister for Energy and Green Transition, Hon. Richard Gyan-Mensah, has launched the 9th edition of the Ghana Energy Awards in Accra, urging stakeholders to reposition the energy sector as a central pillar of Ghana’s national development.

Speaking at the media launch and opening of nominations, held under the theme “Repositioning the Energy Sector as a Pillar of National Development”, the deputy minister who represented the sector minister John Jinapor commended the Energy Media Group and the Awards Secretariat for their consistency in celebrating excellence and innovation in Ghana’s energy space.

 

Some scenes from the ceremony
“The Ghana Energy Awards has become a beacon of excellence, innovation, and leadership in our energy sector,” Gyan Mensah said. “It not only celebrates achievements but also inspires continued commitment to building a resilient, inclusive, and sustainable energy future.”

Key Sector Achievements
Highlighting progress under the government’s green transition agenda, the deputy minister outlined several milestones:

• Renewables: He said over 200MW of solar projects are underway, including a 25MW floating solar plant at the Bui Dam and a 30MW project at the Kpong Reservoir in partnership with Germany’s KfW Bank.

• Rural Electrification: New mini-grid systems have been commissioned in Azizakpe, Aflive, and Alorkpem, providing power to more than 3,700 residents in Ada. Feasibility studies have been completed for 150 island and lakeside communities in Afram Plains, with a $100 million investment planned.

• Efficiency and Safety: Nearly 2,500 smart solar streetlights have been installed in the Ashanti Region as part of a pilot programme, with nationwide expansion planned.

• Government Goes Solar: A 22MW solar project is being rolled out across public institutions, expected to save GHS 52 million annually.
• Nuclear Energy: Ghana has advanced to Phase 2 of the IAEA roadmap, with 60% of the nuclear site acquisition process completed and Cabinet approval granted for a National Owner/Operator Company.

• Clean Cooking: 450,000 LPG stoves are being distributed under the Cylinder Recirculation Model to transition households to safer cooking methods.

The Minister also pointed to reforms aimed at improving sector transparency and efficiency. Over 200 non-performing ECG contracts worth $227 million have been terminated, while the Cash Waterfall Mechanism has strengthened liquidity and ensured accountability.

Supporting Local Content
On local participation, the deputy minister highlighted the growth of the Petroleum Commission’s Local Content Fund, which has increased by 11.22% in cedi terms (GHS 29.89 million) and by 27.08% in dollar terms (USD 2.49 million). The fund supports training and capacity-building for Ghanaian businesses in the oil and gas industry.

A Roadmap for the Future
Ghana’s Energy Transition Framework, a $560 billion roadmap launched at COP27, remains at the core of the government’s strategy. It seeks to deliver affordable energy—targeting below 4.5 cents per kilowatt-hour—while prioritizing decarbonization and universal access.
Call to Action
The deputy minister urged stakeholders across government, private sector, academia, and civil society to treat this year’s theme as a call to action.

“Energy is not just an enabler of development, it is its foundation,” he stressed. “Let us work together to reposition the sector as a true pillar of national growth and honour those who are driving innovation with integrity.”
Nominations for the 9th Ghana Energy Awards are officially open, with the main awards ceremony scheduled for November.