As Ghana joins the rest of the world to commemorate World Environment Day 2026, the Ghana chapter of the Global Media Foundation (GLOMEF Ghana) has issued a forceful critique of the government, citing what it describes as a troubling lack of decisive action in tackling the country’s escalating illegal mining crisis.

In a statement marking the global observance, the organisation expressed deep unease over the continued destruction of Ghana’s natural environment by illegal mining activities commonly known as galamsey despite the establishment of the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat.

GLOMEF Ghana noted that the Secretariat’s formation had initially inspired widespread public confidence, with many Ghanaians expecting a coordinated, aggressive, and sustained response to the environmental emergency. However, several months after its creation, illegal mining operations remain rampant, with offenders reportedly operating openly in numerous parts of the country.

“The ongoing devastation of our forests, rivers, and farmlands raises critical concerns about the effectiveness of existing interventions,” the statement said. “If the Secretariat cannot significantly curb these activities and protect Ghana’s natural resources, then its very purpose becomes difficult to justify.”

The organization highlighted the severe environmental toll of illegal mining, pointing to the alarming pollution of rivers that serve as vital sources of drinking water, as well as the widespread destruction of fertile agricultural lands.

It warned that the consequences of such degradation extend far beyond ecological damage, posing serious threats to public health, food security, biodiversity, and the livelihoods of future generations.

GLOMEF Ghana further called on the government, led by President John Dramani Mahama and Vice President Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, to demonstrate stronger political will in addressing the crisis. It urged authorities to ensure that all individuals involved in illegal mining regardless of political affiliation or social standing are held accountable.

“The fight against galamsey must be resolute, impartial, and free from political influence,” the statement emphasized. “Anything short of this undermines national efforts and weakens public trust.”
Beyond government action, the organization stressed the importance of a collective national response.

It called on traditional authorities, civil society organisations, religious leaders, and local communities to actively support environmental protection efforts, underscoring that safeguarding Ghana’s natural heritage is a shared responsibility.

As the global theme for this year’s World Environment Day focuses on environmental protection and sustainability, GLOMEF Ghana urged all stakeholders to renew their commitment to preserving the nation’s forests, rivers, and ecosystems for both present and future generations.

“World Environment Day must not be reduced to mere speeches and ceremonial observances,” the statement asserted. “It should serve as a call to action an urgent reminder that the future of our country depends on the steps we take today to protect our environment.”

The organization concluded with a firm appeal for urgent and measurable interventions, calling on the government to move beyond rhetoric and implement concrete strategies capable of decisively ending illegal mining and restoring degraded lands and water bodies across the country.

Without bold, sustained action, GLOMEF Ghana warned, the environmental cost of inaction could prove irreversible.

Reporting by Daniel Donkor, Bono Region