Ghana is grappling with the devastating impact of high-tech galamsey, a highly mechanized and destructive form of illegal small-scale mining that has ravaged the country's rivers, forests, farmlands, and biodiversity. Environmental advocate John-Baptist Naah has expressed concerns that successive governments have failed to confront this environmental menace with the urgency it demands. Despite public pressure, former President Nana Akufo-Addo's administration did not declare a targeted state of emergency in the worst affected areas.
President John Dramani Mahama has faced similar demands to take decisive action against high-tech galamsey. Since assuming office in January 2025, President Mahama has established the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS), which has shown potential in coordinating a more forceful response to illegal mining. However, reports of continued destructive mining activities have raised concerns about the effectiveness and sustainability of the government's approach.
According to Naah, a targeted state of emergency is necessary to address the high-tech galamsey menace, particularly in areas where heavily polluted rivers, destroyed forest reserves, and organized illegal mining networks have overwhelmed ordinary enforcement mechanisms. The 1992 Constitution and the Emergency Powers Act of 1994 provide a legal framework for emergency measures, subject to constitutional safeguards and parliamentary oversight.
Naah argues that a targeted declaration must define its geographical scope, duration, operational responsibilities, and safeguards against abuse. It must protect innocent civilians while empowering lawful enforcement against organized environmental destruction. The advocate emphasizes that the argument that galamsey has spread across numerous regions should strengthen the case for prioritizing the worst affected areas.
High-tech galamsey has transformed into a deeply entrenched environmental, economic, and political challenge, with severe consequences for ecosystems, livelihoods, food security, public health, and the country's long-term development prospects. Naah stresses that the fight against high-tech galamsey requires sustained enforcement, accountability for financiers and politically connected actors, environmental restoration, and the political courage to confront vested interests.
President Mahama must recognize that the political cost of decisive action cannot outweigh the national cost of continued environmental destruction. Naah remains committed to supporting genuine efforts by the government to defeat high-tech galamsey but demands stronger action when the existing strategy is inadequate. Former President Akufo-Addo failed to respond decisively to calls for a targeted state of emergency, and Naah urges President Mahama not to repeat that mistake.
Ghana needs decisive leadership backed by constitutional authority, operational discipline, and measurable results to address the high-tech galamsey menace. Naah emphasizes that the time for gradualism is running out, and the environment cannot wait for another election cycle. A targeted state of emergency in the worst high-tech galamsey hotspots, accompanied by sustained enforcement and environmental restoration, is crucial to restoring control and protecting innocent lives.
Key points
- Environmental advocate John-Baptist Naah calls for a targeted state of emergency to address high-tech galamsey.
- The current government approach has been deemed inadequate in tackling the high-tech galamsey menace.
- A targeted state of emergency could help restore control in worst affected areas and protect innocent lives.
