Dr. Ken Ashigbey, Convener of the Media Coalition Against Illegal Mining, has called on the government to impose prison sentences on foreign nationals involved in illegal mining in Ghana, rather than just deporting them.
Dr. Ashigbey, in an interview, argued that merely deporting offenders without holding them accountable sends a troubling signal internationally — that Ghana is a welcoming ground for illegal mining operations.
On Tuesday, April 22, 2025, Dr. Ken Ashigbey issued a stern warning, stating, “Deporting them without punishment sends a clear message that Ghana is a safe haven for illegal activities.”
Dr. Ashigbey also urged the government to declare a state of emergency in regions severely affected by illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey. He emphasized that these areas are experiencing devastating environmental damage, including the destruction of rivers and farmlands, while the lives of residents are increasingly at risk.
He further revealed that illegal mining operations are now being protected by armed groups and, in some cases, foreign mercenaries, which has made efforts to combat the problem even more challenging. Declaring a state of emergency, he argued, would empower the President to take swift and decisive action to restore order and protect the country’s natural resources.
“This isn’t about the entire country — it’s about the specific areas where illegal mining is spiraling out of control. We need to act now to protect both our present and our future,” Dr. Ken Ashigbey stressed.
He encouraged the public to keep raising their voices and remain actively involved in the fight against galamsey. Dr. Ashigbey also appealed to the President to reassess current policies and take bold, decisive measures to halt the ongoing destruction caused by illegal mining.
