Press Release
For Immediate Release
Date: 26-09-2025
CCAL Welcomes Government’s Security Zones Declaration but Reaffirms Call for a State of Emergency on Illegal Mining
The Concerned Citizens of the Atewa Landscape (CCAL) commends the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources for declaring Ghana’s forest reserves and river bodies as security zones to be protected by the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations (NAIMOS). This decisive action signals government’s recognition of the scale of destruction caused by illegal mining.
While CCAL welcomes this important step, we emphasize that security zones alone are not enough to resolve the crisis that has devastated nearly 80% of Ghana’s major rivers, polluted farmlands, and threatened community health and food security.
Why a State of Emergency is Still Needed
Different Mandates: Security zones focus on enforcement in specific areas. A State of Emergency allows for a comprehensive reset of the entire system—covering forests, rivers, farmlands, and mining licenses.
Beyond Arrests: Security zones emphasize arrests and seizures. A State of Emergency enables full prosecution, deterrent sentencing, and legislative reforms to break the cycle of impunity.
Restoration, Not Just Guarding: Guarding forests and rivers is crucial, but Ghana urgently needs rehabilitation of polluted rivers and degraded lands to restore lost livelihoods.
Closing Loopholes: Without broader reforms, illegal miners may simply relocate from declared reserves to community farmlands or smaller rivers.
CCAL’s Position
We recognize the government’s bold step, but insist that only a State of Emergency, backed by Parliament and enforced across all galamsey affected areas, will provide the constitutional authority, accountability, and national unity required to truly end illegal mining.
As CCAL, we remain committed to working with government, traditional authorities, and civil society to protect our forests, rivers, and communities. The battle against galamsey must go beyond chasing illegal miners; it must reset the system to ensure that Ghana’s natural resources sustain life, not destroy it.
Signed
Nana Ampem Darko
PRO, (CCAL)
0244245373
Asumaku Paul
Coordinator
0242924377
Source:Mybrytfmonline.com
