Coalition Against Galamsey calls for accountability following NAIMOS’ attack
The Coalition Against Galamsey has called for immediate accountability on illegal mining activities (galamsey) following the recent violent attack against personnel of the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Squad (NAIMOS).
The coalition condemned the attack and noted that the physical attack on NAIMO’s personnel by community members in the Asutifi North area constituted a grave affront to national security, democratic governance, and the rule of law.
In a statement issued by the Coalition and copied to the Ghana News Agency (GNA), it noted that illegal mining continued to inflict catastrophic ecological and socio-economic harm, adding that Ghana’s rivers were polluted with mercury and heavy metals, while forests were degraded, and the livelihoods of present and future generations were under severe threat.
“NAIMOS officers operate under a constitutional mandate to protect the republic. Any aggression against them is aggression against the state and the collective future of Ghanaian citizens,” it noted.
The Coalition called for urgent and coordinated state action, requesting that President John Dramani Mahama take urgent action, including publicly reaffirming zero tolerance for political interference in anti-galamsey enforcement by issuing a strong national statement condemning violence against enforcement officers and reinforcing the national commitment to eliminating illegal mining.
It also called for a thorough and independent investigation into the attack to ensure a transparent and impartial inquiry into the incident, with findings made public, and with accountability pursued regardless of the political position of any individual involved.
The Coalition also called on the president to direct law enforcement agencies to prosecute all perpetrators in accordance with the law and communicate clearly that political status does not confer immunity for inciting violence or obstructing lawful state operations.
“Strengthen security cover and logistics for NAIMOS and other enforcement units working in high-risk mining areas to prevent further attacks and safeguard lives.”
It recommended that Parliament initiated an internal disciplinary and ethics inquiry into the alleged conduct of the Member of Parliament in the said attack and suggested the adoption of a bipartisan resolution condemning attacks on enforcement officers affirming support for NAIMOS operations.
It also urged security agencies to arrest and prosecute perpetrators of the assault and strengthen security protection for enforcement units in high-risk jurisdictions.
It encouraged civil society organisations (CSOs), media institutions, traditional leaders, religious bodies, and citizens to speak up and not to allow intimidation and impunity to undermine national interest.
“Environmental protection is a shared responsibility, and silence in the face of unlawful political conduct encourages further impunity,” it added.
It stressed that the country could not afford to normalise violence against state officials, nor could the citizens allow political authority to be used to shield environmental destruction, undermine enforcement, or compromise national security.
“Ghana cannot win the fight against galamsey if elements entrusted with public authority undermine enforcement and foster impunity. The nation stands at a pivotal moment where decisive leadership, accountability, and unified resolve are essential. The Coalition insists that this attack cannot be normalised or excused.
The Republic must act firmly and transparently to protect its officers, safeguard its natural heritage, and defend the rule of law,” the statement added.
Source: GNA