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.
A legally registered mining company in Obuasi is on the verge of collapse after its concession at Anyankyirem was forcibly taken over by illegal miners.
Mining and Construction Services, operators of what was projected to be the second-largest mine in the Adansi enclave of the Ashanti Region, says the invasion has stalled operations and is causing heavy financial losses.
Managing Director Andy Amoah
Managing Director Andy Amoah disclosed that investors are losing thousands of dollars daily as illegal miners operate with impunity.
“They mine in broad daylight, destroying the land while lawful businesses are pushed out. We have followed every environmental and legal requirement, yet no one seems able to protect us. The state must safeguard its investors,” he lamented.
A scene from the concession
The company, which secured its concession in 2020, has invested more than GH₵168 million in exploration and pre-production works, with plans for large-scale underground mining. The mine is estimated to produce 100,000 ounces of gold over 13 years.
But since May 2025, more than 200 acres of the concession have been seized by illegal miners.
The invaders, allegedly led by NDC Vice Chairman (name withheld) for now insist the land was released to the community under the previous John Mahama administration.
Excavators and hand-dug trenches now dominate the site, causing environmental damage.
Although National Security operatives confirmed the company’s licenses and authorized it to mine, the illegal miners have refused to vacate the concession.
Meanwhile, Obuasi West Municipal Chief Executive Faustilove Appiah Kannin has denied knowledge of the development but has invited assembly members to file a formal complaint for investigations.
The standoff threatens not only millions of dollars in investments but also the future of regulated, sustainable mining in the Ashanti Region.Source:By A Special correspondent
A day’s training programme has been held for media practitioners in the northern zone.
The programme was aimed at equipping media practitioners with foundational knowledge about nuclear energy, including small modular rectors (SMRs), to enhance their capacity for accurate, responsible and informed reporting on Ghana’s nuclear power programme and the work of the regulator.
Group photograph of the participants
The NRA is collaborating with the following institutions on this project through some representatives: US Nuclear Regulatory Commission, University of Ghana, Arte and Communications, Ghana Statistical Service, GJA and NRA Media Corps.
The participants were drawn from the Ashanti, Bono East, Oti , Savannah, Northern, Upper East, Upper West and the Northern regions.
The expected outcome of the workshop is to raise awareness amongst media practitioners on how to regulate the various types of nuclear technologies for electricity generation, including SMRs, to leverage the media for nuclear regulatory communications and awareness creation, as well as to build trust.
The Director of the Radiological & Non-Ionizing Installation at the NRA, Prof. Augustine Faanu, called on the support of the media practitioners to partner with the Authority and all relevant stakeholders to help achieve their objectives.
According to him, the doors of the Authority are widely opened for information as part of its commitment to involve all stakeholders and the populace in the nuclear energy installation plans.
He said the theme for the training workshop reflected the commitment of the NRA to strengthen collaboration with journalists in education and informing the society of nuclear energy.
Prof. Faanu underscored the need for accurate, timely and responsible communication since it is critical, especially in the nuclear sector, where public trust and understanding are essential.
“It is important that the regulator clarifies misconceptions and builds a stronger partnership with the media to enhance understanding,” he added.
Dr. Emmanuel Amponsah-Amoako, Director Nuclear Installation Directorate at NRA, in his presentation entitled: ““THE ROLE OF THE NUCLEAR REGULATOR”, stated unequivocally that NRA was seeking the safety of the people. He revealed that NRA was working to effectively oversee the introduction of nuclear power into Ghana’s electrical energy grid, by addressing safety, security and safeguards matters through the institution of an effective regulatory infrastructure.
Besides, the Authority also seeks to inform and involve the public adequately in the oversight of the nuclear installations and looks forward to working with the media to support this endeavour.
Dr. Amoako added, ”NRA appreciates the media participation and stands ready to provide clear, concise and transparent interaction with the public while we embark on this journey of nuclear power together.”
According to him, looking at the current energy situation in the country, nuclear is the best option for reliable and sustainable energy provision for Ghana; hence, all hands must be on deck.
He explained that apart form the installation stage which is costly, it is the cheapest in the world.
Dr. Kelle Barfield of FIRST Programme made a presentation on “Nuclear Energy:Building the Infratucture”.
A media consultant, Mr. Michael Mawugbe, made a presentation on the topic: “Writing impactful nuclear regulatory stories”.
The newly elected Ashanti Regional Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) Chairman, who is with Luv/Joy news, Mr. Kofi Adu Domfeh, also spoke on the topic: “Reporting Science Technology Innovations (ST&I) as… Journalists”.
Mr. Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, the National Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has watered down calls for the President to declare a state of emergency in the fight against illegal mining, also known as galamsey.
Following the environmental catastrophe caused by illegal mining activities, there have been several pressures on the governments, both the erstwhile Nana Akufo-Addo-led NPP government and the incumbent John Mahama-led NDC government.
A file photo Mr. Johnson Asiedu Nketiah
It is recalled that the pressure to get President Nana Addo Danquah Akufo-Addo intensified during the 2024 electioneering campaign era, with the incumbent president, who was then the flagbearer of the opposition, pressing upon the government to declare a state of emergency on illegal mining.
However, Mr. Johnson Asiedu Nketia warned that such a move could plunge Ghana into chaos and erode democratic rule.
Speaking on Channel One TV on Tuesday, August 26, Mr. Nketiah admitted that galamsey remains a national crisis but cautioned that suspending constitutional governance in the name of tackling it would create deeper dangers.
“Work is being done about the galamsey fight, and we hope to be able to find solutions to it. But I don’t subscribe to the declaration of the state of emergency as other people are suggesting.
“In your frustration, you can call for certain measures that, when we begin implementing, you may live to regret,” he warned.
According to him, many advocates of emergency rule underestimate its destructive consequences.
“If you intend to deal with galamsey and you declare a state of emergency, it means you have suspended the constitution. People can shoot and kill at will.
“How will you be sure that those who are shooting and killing are the ones fighting galamsey? That is another matter,” he argued.
He therefore urged Ghanaians to champion practical and sustainable solutions rooted in the rule of law, insisting that broad-based reforms, not authoritarian shortcuts, hold the key to ending illegal mining.Source : Kobina Darlington/Peacefmonline.com
The University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) has issued an ultimatum to President John Dramani Mahama, demanding the immediate fulfilment of his electoral pledge to eradicate illegal mining, popularly known as ‘galamsey’.
In a press statement released on Sunday, July 20, the National Executive Council (NEC) of UTAG expressed deep dissatisfaction with the government’s progress on the issue, warning of potential industrial action if decisive steps are not taken promptly.
File photo
The statement, signed by National President Prof. Mamudu A. Akudugu and National Secretary Prof. Eliasu Mumuni, follows an emergency NEC meeting held on Thursday, July 17, 2025.
UTAG acknowledged “modest gains achieved by the government through the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources and the security services”, including the Inspector General of Police (IGP) and the Attorney General’s recent directive to the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) to investigate named political actors for alleged galamsey involvement.
However, the UTAG stressed that “much is left to be desired as the wanton destruction of the environment continues unabated.”
UTAG’s core demand centres on the “anti-galamsey pledge” President Mahama voluntarily signed before the 2024 general elections.
This commitment, formalized in the “National Pledge by Presidential Candidate Taken Against Illegal and Irresponsible Mining (Galamsey) in Ghana” and witnessed by the Ghana Coalition Against Galamsey (GCAG) and UTAG itself, is viewed by the university teachers as a “solemn social contract with the Ghanaian people to combat illegal mining and restore environmental integrity.”
“President Mahama’s assumption of office has not yet yielded the concrete actions required to match the gravity of his pledge,” the statement asserted, urging the President to “now walk the talk.”
UTAG meticulously outlined five key promises from the President’s pledge that they believe remain unfulfilled:
Immediate and Unambiguous Denunciation: Despite promising to publicly denounce galamsey for its detrimental impact on the environment, health, and future generations, UTAG states, “We are yet to witness the operationalisation of this pledge after six (6) months in office.”
Immediate Action to Halt Activities: While President Mahama publicly acknowledged galamsey as a “national emergency” on July 15, 2025, and vowed continued efforts by the national taskforce, UTAG criticised his “continuous decline to declare a state of emergency in galamsey-endemic areas,” which they believe would give “practical meaning to the pledge.”
Law Enforcement Without Fear or Favour: The pledge included empowering law enforcement and the judiciary to “ruthlessly enforce the law” against culprits “regardless of their political affiliation or social status.”
UTAG noted, “We are yet to see this pledge materialised in a way that can halt and reverse the wanton destruction of our forest reserves, waterbodies and arable lands.”
Implementation of Permanent Anti-Galamsey Policies: President Mahama promised to design and implement long-term policies to “permanently uproot galamsey.”
UTAG contends, “We are yet to see any coherent, practically relevant and workable policies from the President and his government to address the galamsey menace permanently.”
Zero Tolerance Messaging from Political Actors: The President pledged to rein in party officials and dismiss Metropolitan, Municipal, or District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) who entertain galamsey in their areas. UTAG highlighted that “no single one of them has been sacked despite galamsey still ravaging, especially in the Ashanti, Eastern, Western and Ahafo regions among others.”
They further alleged that “Key members of the ruling party and government in these areas where galamsey remains highly active are allegedly involved with no concrete actions taken to arrest and prosecute them.”
UTAG also called on the President to honour additional campaign commitments, including the repeal of Legislative Instrument (L.I.) 2462.
This controversial L.I., passed in 2022, had permitted mining in forest reserves under certain conditions, drawing widespread criticism from environmental groups.
While recent government pronouncements suggest a move to repeal L.I. 2462 entirely, UTAG’s statement underscores the urgency of concrete action.
The Association reiterated that illegal mining “represents an existential threat, devastating our rivers, forests, agricultural lands, and future livelihoods.”
Reports indicate that by the end of 2024, the direct and indirect costs of galamsey on Ghana’s economy and environment were substantial, with significant portions of water bodies, including major rivers like the Pra, Ankobra, and Birim, severely polluted. Key mining regions such as Western North, Ashanti, Eastern, and Ahafo continue to be heavily impacted.
In a stark warning, UTAG stated, “If concrete steps are not taken promptly, UTAG will not hesitate to activate all constitutionally permitted avenues—including industrial action—to demand the fulfilment of these national commitments.”
This threat of a strike by university teachers adds significant pressure to the government, as previous industrial actions by UTAG have severely disrupted academic calendars.
“The time for rhetoric is over; the time for action is now,” UTAG concluded, urging its members and the public to remain vigilant in protecting Ghana’s environment for future generations.Source: David Apinga
President John Dramani Mahama has, with immediate effect, cancelled the payment and allocation of fuel allowances to all political appointees as part of his administration’s ongoing efforts to reduce public expenditure.
The announcement was made on Tuesday, July 15, in an official statement from the presidency signed by the Minister for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu.
According to the release, the directive is aimed at curbing government spending and redirecting funds into key priority sectors.
President John Dramani Mahama
“The President believes that leadership must also bear its part of the sacrifices it is calling on the people to make,” the statement noted, highlighting the administration’s commitment to leading by example in the face of current economic pressures.
This move is the latest in a series of austerity measures introduced by the Mahama government.Recent steps include a significant reduction in the size of government through fewer ministerial and presidential staff appointments, and the cancellation of satellite TV subscriptions for offices at the Presidency and other state institutions.
This decision comes barely 24-hours before the implementation of the GHS1.00 levy expected to be charged on every litre of fuel purchased at the pump.
The government has explained that the primary aim of the levy is to provide the Ministry of Energy with sufficient funds to procure fuel for power generation.Source: Ernest K. Arhinful
The Minority in Parliament has called out the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) over its decision to increase electricity tariffs by 2.45 per cent, effective 1st July 2025, demanding full justification for the move in light of falling macroeconomic indicators.
At a press conference in Parliament on Thursday, Ranking Member on the Energy Committee, George Kwame Aboagye, questioned the rationale behind the increment, arguing that the major cost components of electricity generation have either remained stable or declined in recent months.
“There is no justification for the increase,” Mr Aboagye stated. “About 70 per cent of our generation relies on fuel — gas, Heavy Fuel Oil (HFO), and Light Crude Oil (LCO). Most generators are dual cycle, so if HFO and LCO prices rise, we can switch to gas. The price of gas has not gone up.”
He further noted that hydro and solar, which make up about 30 per cent of Ghana’s energy mix, remain stable and unaffected by fuel price fluctuations, thereby weakening the basis for any upward tariff adjustment.
Mr Aboagye also pointed to improved macroeconomic conditions, citing falling inflation and a more stable cedi.
“The exchange rate peaked this year at GHS15.527 but is now around GHS10.30. Inflation, which was 22.4% in March, dropped to 21.2% in April and further to 18.1% in May. It is projected to decline to around 16% in June. So, why the increase?” he questioned.
He stressed that according to the 2025 national budget, utility tariff adjustments were to be reviewed quarterly, with changes expected to reflect both upward and downward trends depending on prevailing economic conditions.
“You cannot just wake up and increase electricity tariffs by 2.45%. PURC must come forward and explain this decision to Ghanaians,” Mr Aboagye demanded.
The Minority has vowed to summon the PURC before Parliament to provide clarity on the rationale behind the decision and ensure that the interest of the Ghanaian consumer is prioritised.Source: Emmanuel Tetteh & James Kwesi Avedzi
The Ghana Academy of Arts and Sciences (GAAS) is calling on the Government of Ghana to
immediately repeal the Environmental Protection (Mining in Forest Reserves)
Regulations, 2022 (LI 2462) and issue a binding presidential policy that permanently
prohibits all forms of mining in Ghana’s forest reserves.
In a strongly worded petition addressed to the President and Parliament, GAAS condemned
the government’s recent move to amend only one clause of the LI — regulation 3(2) — instead of fulfilling its public commitment to revoke the entire legislative instrument.
“A forest reserve is not a mine-in-waiting,” said the GAAS in the statement. “Authorising
mining in these protected zones undermines the entire purpose of forest reserves, threatens
biodiversity, pollutes our water bodies, and violates Ghana’s international commitments on
climate and the environment.”
GAAS described LI 2462 as a legal, environmental and constitutional failure, pointing out that it allows mining in ecologically sensitive areas by giving unlawful discretionary powers to the Minister and the President — powers which the 1992 Constitution reserves for the Minerals Commission and Parliament.
The Academy also noted Ghana’s dismal record on mining enforcement and warned that
legitimising mining in forest reserves would only deepen environmental degradation and
worsen climate vulnerabilities. “Our forests are not just natural spaces — they are our last line of defence against climate change, water insecurity, and biodiversity loss,” the statement continued. “Preserving them is
not optional. It is a national duty.”
Key Demands from GAAS:
• Total repeal of LI 2462, not just the removal of Regulation 3(2)
• A firm and binding Presidential policy that prohibits all mining — exploration, prospecting, and extraction — in all forest reserves
• Immediate termination of all mining and prospecting activities currently taking place in forest reserves
GAAS emphasised that continued mining in forest reserves would be a breach of Ghana’s obligations under the Paris Agreement, the Convention on Biological Diversity and other multilateral environmental treaties.”Let us not be the generation that traded away Ghana’s forests for short-term profits,” GAAS concluded. “Let us be the generation that stood firm and said: our forests are not for sale.”
For more information about GAAS, visit our website on https://gaas-gh.org
For media enquiries please email communications@gaas-gh.org orinfo@gaas-gh.org
<signed>
Emerita Prof. Isabella Akyinbah Quakyi
President of the Ghana Academy of Arts and Sciences
The Progressive Alliance of Ghana (PAG) has expressed serious concern over the recently announced license extension agreement between the Government of Ghana and oil multinationals Tullow Oil and Kosmos Energy.
The agreement, first reported by Upstream Online, has been described by PAG as a “very bad deal for the country”, which must be reversed immediately in the interest of national sovereignty, economic justice, and transparency.
The deal extends the licenses for the Jubilee and TEN oil fields until 2040 and was signed under a Memorandum of Understanding involving the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC), PetroSA, and Explorco. It also includes the drilling of up to 20 new wells and an estimated \$2 billion in investment — but at what long-term cost to the Ghanaian people?
Who truly benefits from this deal?
PAG believes this extension locks Ghana into a fiscal arrangement that disproportionately benefits foreign partners, undermines local value retention, and limits future renegotiation opportunities. The agreement also reportedly includes a gas pricing formula that reduces the cost of associated gas and imposes rigid gas production targets — key concessions made without broad national consultation or parliamentary scrutiny.
Even more troubling is the timing of the deal — rushed and concluded under the radar — at a time when Ghana is grappling with economic hardship and a growing demand for resource sovereignty.
The Progressive Alliance of Ghana makes the following key points:
The deal lacks transparency. The process was shrouded in secrecy, with no national debate or open parliamentary discussion. The implications of this deal are generational and deserve full public engagement.
Ghana stands to lose long-term revenue. By locking in fiscal terms and extending the licenses deep into the future, the government is surrendering future bargaining power and economic value that could have been secured on more favourable terms.
Parliament must reject the extension. PAG urges the Parliament of Ghana to reject any proposed development plan or legislative process that seeks to validate this agreement. Ghanaians deserve better terms and full accountability.
A future PAG-led government will review the deal. We are committed to reversing this agreement and ensuring that all extractive contracts undergo a strict national interest test. Ghana’s oil wealth belongs to its people — not to foreign multinationals and their local enablers.
PAG is sounding the alarm and calls on civil society, the media, and all patriotic citizens to demand accountability. This is more than just an economic matter — it is a question of sovereignty and the future stewardship of Ghana’s natural resources.
Signed:
Communications Directorate
Progressive Alliance of Ghana (PAG)
16th June 2025
