The Ghana Coalition Against Galamsey (CAGG) has dismissed the government’s claim that the “era of impunity is over” in the fight against illegal mining, arguing that widespread galamsey activities across several parts of the country prove that lawlessness remains deeply entrenched.

In a statement issued in Accra on Monday, July 20, the coalition acknowledged what it described as notable progress by the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources but maintained that enforcement efforts remain inconsistent and inadequate to effectively protect Ghana’s forests, rivers and mining communities.

According to CAGG, the success of the anti-galamsey campaign will not be measured by official announcements but by sustained, impartial enforcement against offenders, regardless of their political or financial influence.

“Ghana’s forests, rivers and mining communities are not protected by press briefings. They are protected by sustained, fearless and uniform enforcement, applied equally in every region, against every excavator, and irrespective of whose interests stand in the way,” the coalition stated.

Achimota Forest Decision Praised

The coalition commended the government for revoking Executive Instrument (E.I.) 144, as amended by E.I. 234, which had removed portions of the Achimota Forest Reserve from protected status. It described the Cabinet’s decision as a significant step toward preserving one of Accra’s most important ecological assets.

CAGG also welcomed the Attorney-General’s decision to withdraw charges against the “Atronsu Five” and urged both the Attorney-General and the Inspector-General of Police to ensure justice for 13-year-old Pious Nketia Nkansah, who was allegedly murdered.

Forest Reserves Still Under Siege

Despite ongoing operations to remove illegal miners from forest reserve “red zones,” the coalition warned that several protected areas remain under serious threat.

It identified the Atewa Range Forest Reserve, Cape Three Points Forest Reserve, Afao Hills Forest Reserve and the Draw River Forest Reserve as hotspots where illegal mining continues to pose a major environmental risk.

To strengthen conservation efforts, CAGG called for increased funding for the Forestry Commission, the establishment of permanent security camps within forest reserves and renewed efforts to fulfil government’s pledge to upgrade Atewa Forest into a national park.

Illegal Mining Continues Across Regions

Rejecting the Ministry’s assertion that impunity has ended, the coalition pointed to continued illegal mining activities in the Eastern, Ashanti, Bono and Western regions.

According to CAGG, illegal mining remains active around the Birim, Densu and Ayensu river basins, near the Bui Hydroelectric Dam, around Lake Bosomtwe and within the Ahwiren wetlands.

The group also questioned what it described as selective enforcement and urged President John Dramani Mahama to ensure that all individuals implicated in illegal mining offences are investigated and prosecuted without fear or favour.

Questions Raised Over NAIMOS

CAGG further expressed concern about the operations of the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS).

Although it acknowledged the secretariat’s reported record of conducting more than 200 operations, the coalition said allegations of selective enforcement and claims that seized excavators had been returned to offenders after payments deserve immediate investigation.

It urged NAIMOS to publicly respond to the allegations and improve transparency by publishing details of its complaint-handling procedures and enforcement outcomes.

Police and Local Authorities Urged to Do More

The coalition also criticised what it described as weak enforcement by sections of the Ghana Police Service, arguing that deploying additional Blue Water Guards alone would not solve the galamsey problem unless intelligence gathered from the field results in swift arrests and prosecutions.

It called for tighter supervision of police commanders in mining districts, disciplinary action against officers who fail to enforce the law, stricter regulation of excavator movements and tighter controls over fuel supplies to illegal mining operators.

Coalition Calls for Stronger Reforms

While welcoming government’s plans to amend the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703), CAGG insisted that the revised legislation must provide stronger protection for forests, water bodies and mining communities.

The coalition also called for the publication of the Constitutional Review Committee’s report, the prosecution of alleged galamsey kingpins, greater transparency in environmental governance and the regular release of reports on water quality, forest conditions and prosecutions.

CAGG reaffirmed its willingness to work with the government to strengthen environmental protection but cautioned that failure to decisively tackle illegal mining could have devastating long-term consequences for the country.

“We either deal with this menace or we perish, because without clean water, clean air and standing forests, we are done as a people,” the statement concluded.

The Ashanti Caucus of New Patriotic Party (NPP) Members of Parliament has reaffirmed its unwavering support for Ashanti Regional Chairman Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, following the High Court judgment delivered on July 20, 2026.

In a statement signed by Hon. Vincent Ekow Assafuah Esq., Secretary of the Ashanti Caucus NPP MPs, the caucus described Chairman Wontumi as a fearless, resilient, and selfless leader whose immense sacrifices and dedication have played a significant role in strengthening the NPP in the Ashanti Region and across Ghana.

According to the MPs, Chairman Wontumi’s contribution to the party’s growth, organization, and electoral successes cannot be erased by a single court decision, especially one that remains subject to the constitutional appellate process.

The caucus stressed that while it fully respects the rule of law and the independence of the judiciary, it also believes in the constitutional right of every citizen to challenge judicial decisions through the courts. The MPs expressed confidence that justice would ultimately prevail during the appeal process.

Rejecting suggestions that the judgment marks the end of Chairman Wontumi’s political career, the Ashanti Caucus argued that the ruling should instead strengthen the resolve of NPP members to stand firmly behind a leader who has consistently defended the ideals and values of the party.

“The Ashanti Region has always been the heartbeat of our Party, and history has shown that we do not abandon our own in moments of adversity,” the statement said, assuring Chairman Wontumi that he does not face the situation alone.

The caucus also raised concerns about what it described as a growing perception of selective justice and the unequal application of the law. It maintained that the fight against illegality must be conducted fairly, impartially, and without political influence.

According to the MPs, justice must never be used as a tool for political intimidation or for settling political scores. They called on state institutions to ensure that the law is applied equally to all citizens regardless of political affiliation.

The Ashanti Caucus further appealed to members of the NPP, particularly those in the Ashanti Region, to remain calm, united, and disciplined in the aftermath of the court’s decision. The MPs urged supporters to avoid actions that could undermine public order while demonstrating confidence in both the party and Chairman Wontumi through unity and lawful conduct.

In a direct message to the Ashanti Regional Chairman, the caucus encouraged him to remain steadfast.

“Stay strong. Stay resolute. The Ashanti Caucus stands firmly with you. This battle is not yours alone; it is a test of our collective commitment to justice, fairness, and democratic principles. United we stand. Together we shall overcome,” the statement concluded.

The statement was issued on July 20, 2026, and signed by Hon. Vincent Ekow Assafuah Esq., Secretary of the Ashanti Caucus NPP Members of Parliament.

PRESS RELEASE (1) (1)

The campaign team of New Patriotic Party (NPP) Ashanti Regional Chairman Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has issued a strongly worded statement reaffirming its unwavering support for him following the High Court judgment against him and Akonta Mining Limited.

In a statement dated July 20, 2026, titled “Our Faith Remains Unwavering,” the campaign described the court’s decision as one of the most difficult moments in Chairman Wontumi’s political journey but stressed that it remains fully confident in the legal process and believes the case is far from over.

The campaign declared its full support for the official position of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), as communicated by the party’s General Secretary, backing the decision to challenge the judgment through the appellate courts.

According to the statement, the campaign remains confident that the judicial process has not reached its final conclusion and expressed faith in Ghana’s constitutional democracy, due process, and the rule of law.

The team praised Chairman Wontumi’s long political career, highlighting his service to the NPP from his early days as a Party Security Officer to becoming a Constituency Chairman and serving three consecutive terms as Ashanti Regional Chairman.

It noted that throughout his political life, Chairman Wontumi has demonstrated resilience, sacrifice, courage, and unwavering commitment to strengthening the NPP and advancing its electoral fortunes.

The campaign insisted that a single court judgment cannot erase his years of dedication or diminish his contributions to the party and the many lives he has impacted.

Reaffirming its loyalty, the campaign assured party members and supporters nationwide that its confidence in Chairman Wontumi remains absolute despite the legal setback.

It encouraged supporters who may feel disappointed by the judgment not to lose hope, describing the current situation as another chapter in a political journey marked by perseverance and resilience.

The statement expressed confidence in Chairman Wontumi’s legal team, saying they would pursue every legal remedy available in a diligent and professional manner in the interest of justice.

The campaign also appealed to supporters across the country to remain calm, peaceful, and respectful of Ghana’s institutions while the legal process continues. It cautioned against inflammatory statements or actions that could undermine the ongoing judicial proceedings.

Beyond the legal battle, the campaign reiterated its commitment to Chairman Wontumi’s vision of building a stronger, more united, and better-organised New Patriotic Party that prioritises grassroots development, strengthens internal party structures, promotes the welfare of party officers, and positions the NPP for future electoral victories.

The statement emphasized that the events of July 20 have not weakened that vision but have instead strengthened the campaign’s determination to continue advancing the ideals Chairman Wontumi has championed throughout his political career.

Expressing gratitude to delegates, volunteers, communicators, youth activists, polling station executives, constituency and regional officers, as well as Ghanaians who have supported Chairman Wontumi over the years, the campaign thanked them for their loyalty and sacrifices.

It concluded by declaring that Chairman Wontumi is not facing the challenge alone, insisting that the campaign stands firmly beside him, his family, and the New Patriotic Party.

“Our Faith Remains Unwavering,” the statement declared, adding that loyalty is proven in moments of adversity, not only in times of success.

The statement ended with a message of hope, saying the campaign remains united and confident in God, the legal process, and the future, before concluding with the words: “Long Live Chairman Wontumi. Long Live the New Patriotic Party. God Bless Our Homeland Ghana.”

The statement was signed by the Media and Communications Directorate of the Chairman Wontumi Campaign.

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