Western Region Under Siege: Minister Calls for Joint Front Against Galamsey

Takoradi, GHANA — Western Regional Minister Joseph Nelson has issued a strong call to action, urging the Ghana Chamber of Mines to work closely with multinational mining companies in the fight against illegal mining, known as galamsey, which is wreaking havoc in the region.

During a courtesy visit by the new leadership of the Ghana Chamber of Mines, Nelson painted a grim picture of the situation, revealing that illegal mining activities have overrun 12 out of the 14 districts in the Western Region, with dire consequences for both the environment and the local population.

“Out of the 14 districts of my Region, 12 are under siege,” Nelson said. “It's a huge one, and the fight must be bigger. We must be able to stop these negative activities and their deadly effects with proper collaboration and with the laws well situated.”

‘Irresponsible Mining Threatens Our Future’ – Nelson Warns

The Minister emphasized the urgent need for innovative solutions and collaborative enforcement mechanisms to end the destructive practices of illegal mining. He called on the Chamber’s leadership to take bold steps to curb what he described as “nefarious” activities carried out by both local and foreign miners.

“We must root out these nefarious countrymen and foreigners bent on destroying our natural resources,” Nelson said. He highlighted the long-term environmental and economic risks of unchecked mining and called for a unified approach to address the crisis.

“Galamsey activities destroy our lands, pollute our waters, and deplete our resources. If we don’t act now, we are jeopardizing the future of our children and the prosperity of the nation,” he added.

Chamber of Mines Backs Coordinated Action

In response to the Minister’s call, Dr. Kenneth Ashigbey, CEO of the Ghana Chamber of Mines, expressed the Chamber’s commitment to supporting efforts aimed at curbing illegal mining. He highlighted the importance of working closely with the intelligence and security services to address the widespread issue.

“We really need the intelligence community to be dedicated to this cause… we are joined at the hip with you to work in the interest of Mother Ghana,” Dr. Ashigbey stated.

He emphasized that multinational mining companies have a critical role to play in the fight against illegal mining, stressing the need for stronger partnerships between the government and industry stakeholders.

Judicial Support Also Needed

Further underscoring the importance of a coordinated approach, Dr. Ashigbey revealed that the Ghana Chamber of Mines has initiated capacity-building programs aimed at educating judges and magistrates in the Western, Central, and Western North regions. These programs focus on enhancing their understanding of land and mineral laws, enabling them to conduct swift and fair trials in galamsey-related cases.

“Justice delayed is justice denied. We need a judicial system that is well-informed and responsive to the complexities of the illegal mining issue,” Dr. Ashigbey said.

The Road Ahead: A Unified Front Against Galamsey

As the Western Region remains at the epicenter of Ghana’s mining sector — and increasingly, its environmental degradation — Joseph Nelson’s call for stronger collaboration between government bodies, mining companies, and law enforcement signals a new front in the ongoing battle against galamsey.

The region’s persistent struggles with illegal mining threaten not only the environment but also the livelihoods of local communities. With this renewed commitment to combatting the crisis, all eyes will be on whether government institutions, mining firms, and the judiciary can truly unite to curb this destructive menace.

The coming months will be critical as stakeholders work to develop and implement sustainable solutions that protect both Ghana’s natural resources and its people’s futures.