Filing station
A coalition of civil society organisations has petitioned the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) to take urgent action to halt the supply of fuel to illegal mining( galamsey) operations across the country.
In a petition dated April 18, 2026, the Coalition Against Galamsey (GCAG) argued that despite efforts to curb illegal mining, the continued availability of diesel is sustaining the activities of operators, many of whom rely on fuel to power excavators and equipment.
The group estimates that about 7,000 untracked excavators remain in operation, driven by what it describes as an “unchecked supply of fuel,” which continues to fuel environmental destruction.
According to the coalition, there is evidence of unusually high concentrations of fuel stations in known galamsey hotspots, with some areas recording higher fuel activity than major urban centres despite having fewer registered vehicles.
The petition further alleges that some fuel suppliers and Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) are failing to adhere to proper “Know Your Customer” (KYC) protocols, allowing large quantities of fuel to be sold to illegal mining operators.
Citing provisions in laws including the Minerals and Mining Act, the Criminal Offences Act, and the Environmental Protection Act, the group argued that entities supplying fuel to illegal miners could be deemed to be facilitating criminal activity.
The coalition is therefore calling on the NPA to exercise its regulatory mandate by conducting data-driven audits to identify suspicious fuel sales, revoking licenses of non-compliant companies, and enforcing stricter KYC requirements.
It also urged the Authority to collaborate with security agencies to intercept fuel consignments bound for illegal mining sites and to sanction directors of companies found complicit.
The group emphasised that cutting off fuel supply would significantly weaken illegal mining operations and help protect Ghana’s water bodies, forests, and public health.
The petition was copied to key government officials, including the President, the Minister of Energy and Green Transition, and the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, as well as the media.
