The Generational Rights Protection Society (GRPS), a civil society group advocating for environmental justice, is calling on the Mahama-led government to declare a state of emergency in response to the country’s worsening illegal mining crisis.

Speaking at a press briefing, the group’s convener, Mr. Okatakyie Afrifa Mensah—a media practitioner and outspoken advocate—criticised the government’s current strategies in the fight against illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey.

He argued that the ongoing tactics, including the seizure and burning of excavators, merely replicate the ineffective approaches of the previous administration.

“These measures have already proven futile under the past government.

We are seeing history repeat itself with even more devastating consequences.

The environment is being ravaged while our water bodies continue to deteriorate,” Mr. Mensah stated.

The GRPS is urging the government to move beyond rhetoric and adopt bold, comprehensive actions that will deliver long-term results in preserving Ghana’s natural resources and securing future livelihoods.

To amplify their concerns, the group has scheduled a massive public demonstration for Monday, calling on all Ghanaians, especially the youth, to join in demanding immediate and decisive action against illegal mining.

“This is a national emergency,” Mr. Mensah emphasised. “If we fail to act now, we risk losing our rivers, forests, and agricultural lands forever.”

The upcoming protest is expected to draw wide public attention, as the issue of galamsey continues to dominate national discourse due to its impact on water pollution, food security, and public health.