Policy Analyst and Member of the Ghana Coalition Against Galamsey (GCAG), Mr. Senyo Hosi, has called on Ghanaians to prepare for mass civil action in response to the government’s failure to address illegal mining, widely known as galamsey, and to repeal Legislative Instrument (L.I.) 2462, which permits mining in forest reserves.
Speaking at a GCAG press conference in Accra, Mr. Hosi stated that continued environmental destruction and the capture of public policy by criminal interests have left citizens with no option but to take to the streets.
“Efforts at persuasion have failed. The only force left is mass social action,” he declared. “We have written petitions, issued statements, and engaged government officials, but nothing has changed. Peaceful mass demonstrations are now necessary. If we can mobilize a million people to march from Independence Arch to Parliament and the Flagstaff House, it will send a powerful message that Ghanaians will no longer remain silent.”
He criticized the complacency of the middle class and political elites, who he said remain insulated from the consequences of illegal mining.
“While the average Ghanaian endures polluted water and devastated farmland, the elite drink imported bottled water and send their children to schools abroad. Many of them are ready to leave the country at the slightest discomfort. But what about the rest of us?” he questioned.
Mr. Hosi also rejected the economic justification often cited for galamsey, describing it as a practice that benefits a few individuals while causing long-term ecological harm.
“There is virtually zero fiscal revenue from galamsey. The destruction of our water bodies and forests outweighs any benefits. That’s not economic empowerment—it’s economic suicide,” he argued.
Recounting a joint aerial tour with the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Mr. Hosi described the devastation he witnessed firsthand.
“What I saw from that helicopter was frightening. Rivers have turned yellow. People living near major water bodies now rely on bottled water transported from Accra. We are poisoning ourselves,” he lamented.
He also expressed frustration over the government’s unfulfilled promise to revoke L.I. 2462. Despite repeated assurances from the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, he said, no concrete action has been taken.
“We’ve had multiple meetings with the Ministry. They said they would review the Instrument. But nothing has been done. Why? Because criminal syndicates have captured the state and are manipulating those who are supposed to act,” he alleged.
Calling for unity beyond partisan lines, Mr. Hosi emphasized that the fight against galamsey must not be politicized.
“This is not about NPP or NDC. It’s about the survival of our country. Leadership must be held accountable, and citizens must rise above politics to demand responsible governance.”
He urged the media, civil society, and the general public to play a proactive role in holding leaders accountable and protecting the environment for future generations.
“We don’t need money to make an impact—just our presence and our voices. Let your children and grandchildren know that when it mattered most, you took a stand. This fight is about our future, and we must not remain silent as our nation is destroyed.”
Mr. Hosi added by reaffirming GCAG’s commitment to intensify its advocacy and mobilize public pressure on the government. He warned that continued inaction would have dire consequences for generations to come.
Source: Isaac Kofi Dzokpo
