The Concerned Citizens of the Atewa Landscape (CCAL) has welcomed government’s decision to declare Ghana’s forest reserves and river bodies as security zones under the protection of the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS).
The group described the move by the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources as a bold recognition of the severe environmental damage caused by illegal mining, but stressed that the declaration alone will not be enough to end the crisis.
In a statement signed by Nana Ampem Darko on Friday 26 September, CCAL noted that nearly 80% of Ghana’s major rivers have been polluted, farmlands destroyed, and communities exposed to health and food security risks.
“Security zones are an important step, but Ghana needs a comprehensive reset of the entire system,” the statement said. “Only a State of Emergency can provide the constitutional authority and national coordination required to end illegal mining once and for all.”
According to the group, the declaration focuses mainly on enforcement in specific areas, while a State of Emergency would enable broader reforms, including full prosecution, deterrent sentencing, legislative changes, and environmental restoration.
CCAL warned that without such sweeping measures, illegal miners could simply relocate from protected reserves to community farmlands or smaller rivers.
The group reaffirmed its commitment to work with government, traditional leaders, and civil society to protect Ghana’s natural resources, calling for the fight against galamsey to go beyond arrests toward long-term rehabilitation and reform.
“This battle must reset the system to ensure that Ghana’s natural resources sustain life — not destroy it,” CCAL emphasized.
