The Ghana Coalition Against Galamsey (GCAG) has issued a strong warning to government to immediately end the practice of appointing politically exposed individuals without technical expertise to the Forestry Commission, stating that such interference is undermining the nation’s fight against illegal mining.
The Coalition says political interference has severely compromised the professionalism and effectiveness of the Forestry Commission, making it difficult for frontline officers to carry out enforcement operations, particularly in the fight against galamsey in forest reserves.
GCAG’s warning follows a troubling incident in which over 15 heavily armed National Security operatives stormed three Forestry Commission offices—Bekwai, Nkawie, and Offinso—harassing staff, destroying property, and forcefully shutting down operations that were actively combating illegal mining in seven protected forest reserves.
“This is what happens when political loyalty is prioritised over competence,” the Coalition said in a strongly worded statement. “We are seeing the erosion of institutional independence and the growing influence of party politics in technical agencies that should be apolitical and professional.”
The Coalition is demanding that the President and the relevant sector Ministers take immediate steps to remove political appointees who lack the technical background needed to lead forest and environmental protection efforts. It warned that continuing this trend will only embolden illegal mining syndicates and weaken Ghana’s already fragile environmental governance structures.“We cannot win the fight against galamsey when institutions like the Forestry Commission are led by individuals more committed to political interests than environmental protection,” the statement read.
In addition to calling for reforms in appointments, GCAG is also demanding a full investigation and prosecution of the National Security operatives involved in the recent raids, and the interdiction of the Ashanti Regional National Security Coordinator pending an independent inquiry.
The Coalition emphasised that unless decisive action is taken to restore professionalism and accountability within the Forestry Commission and other key environmental agencies, Ghana risks irreversible damage to its forests, water bodies, and ecological heritage.“This is not just about trees—it’s about the survival of our future. Political appointments must end. Professionalism must be restored,” GCAG concluded.
The Ghana Coalition Against Galamsey brings together a wide network of stakeholders including civil society organisations, religious and traditional leaders, media, academia, professional bodies, and youth groups. It has become a vocal advocate for environmental justice and institutional reform in Ghana’s natural resource sector.
