The Ghana Coalition Against Galamsey is urging President John Dramani Mahama to declare a state of emergency to combat illegal mining, following a controversial court ruling in Enchi.
The Enchi District Court granted bail to individuals arrested for mining in the Boin Forest Reserve and ordered the Forestry Commission to return confiscated machinery, including two excavators.
In response, the coalition issued a statement calling for immediate action to address the environmental damage caused by galamsey.
They demanded the destruction of seized excavators and the establishment of 24-hour fast-track courts to expedite legal proceedings against offenders.
The coalition cited the urgency of the situation, referencing former Lands Minister Samuel Abu Jinapor’s description of the crisis as an “ecocide” requiring “wartime measures.”
“This ruling should galvanise calls for His Excellency President Mahama to declare a state of emergency… We cannot let legal loopholes cripple our future,” the coalition stated.
