The Ghana Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) Platform on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) has thrown its support behind the“End Galamsey” strike led by organized labor, which begins today.
The platform, which represents over 500 civil society groups, issued a strong call for the government to take immediate and decisive action against illegal mining, also known as galamsey.
In their statement, the platform highlighted the severe threat galamsey poses to Ghana’s efforts to achieve the SDGs by 2030, stressing that the widespread environmental degradation undermines the country’s sustainable development goals.
The group emphasized the devastating effects of illegal mining on various sectors, including agriculture, public health, and water resources.
“Galamsey is destroying farmlands, reducing incomes, and plundering communities into poverty,” the statement noted, pointing out that food security and water contamination are becoming critical national issues.
They cited reports from the Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL), which has long warned of increased turbidity and contamination in water bodies due to galamsey operations.
Speaking at a press conference, Kennedy Ashibey, a leading voice in the anti-galamsey campaign, underscored the urgency of the crisis. “
We are desperate people being killed,” he said, lamenting the inaction of local authorities. Ashibey also expressed concern over the continued presence of illegal mining equipment along rivers despite promises from regional ministers to intervene.
He called on the government to prioritize revoking licenses for mining in protected areas, noting that time is running out to avert further damage.
The CSOs demanded that President Nana Akufo-Addo, a former co-chair of the UN SDG Advocates, step up his efforts to combat illegal mining. They urged for the immediate enforcement of mining restrictions, particularly in water bodies and forest reserves. “The government has a duty to protect our environment and ensure sustainable development,” the platform stated, reminding the president of his past commitment to tackling galamsey.
The platform also encouraged all Ghanaians to join the fight by wearing red bands starting October 10, as a symbol of solidarity against illegal mining.
“This is not about the future; it’s about saving ourselves now,” Ashibey stressed, calling for a unified national response to the crisis.
