Dr. Kenneth Ashigbey, Convenor of the Anti-Galamsey Coalition, has called on President John Dramani Mahama to immediately remove from office all Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) and Police Commanders in areas where illegal mining—commonly known as galamsey—continues to thrive.
Dr. Ashigbey insists that the continued presence of illegal mining activities in certain districts is a direct failure of local leadership and security oversight. He believes that decisive action is necessary to restore accountability and curb the environmental degradation caused by galamsey.
“I’m urging the President—anywhere galamsey is happening, dismiss the DCE, the MCE, and the police commanders in those areas,” Dr. Ashigbey said in an interview. “After that, interdict and investigate them for possible complicity.”
His call follows a violent confrontation between illegal miners and the Special Anti-Galamsey Taskforce in Bonteso, located in the Amansie South District of the Ashanti Region. The clash occurred after the taskforce intercepted an excavator suspected to be involved in illegal mining.
According to reports, a group of miners—allegedly incited by the local assembly member, Patrick Asare—attacked the taskforce by blocking escape routes, hurling stones, and opening fire. The officers reportedly responded with what they described as “appropriate force” and managed to impound one excavator.
Four individuals have since been arrested and are expected to be transferred to Accra for further investigation and prosecution.
Dr. Ashigbey’s remarks add to the growing pressure on the government to take firmer action against illegal mining, especially by holding public officials accountable for negligence or involvement.
