Several civil society organizations, including the Wassa Association of Communities Affected by Mining (WACAM), the Centre for Public Interest Law (CEPIL), and the Centre for Environmental Impact Analysis (CEIA), have raised alarming concerns about the ongoing devastation inflicted by illegal and surface mining in Ghana.

The groups argue that the current mining regulations, notably the Minerals and Mining Act of 2006 (Act 703), have facilitated irresponsible mining practices. They describe illegal mining, or “galamsey,” as a serious threat to the country’s natural resources.

According to these organizations, existing laws fail to hold mining companies accountable for environmental violations, such as cyanide spills, which pose significant risks to both public health and the ecosystem.Compensation practices have also come under scrutiny. The organizations emphasize that multinational mining companies often provide minimal compensation to impoverished farmers whose lands are appropriated for mining operations.

These farmers, lacking sufficient negotiating power, end up with unfair compensation packages, resulting in both economic and physical displacement.This has contributed to rising poverty levels in mining host communities, where former farmers have been forced into mining, often resorting to dangerous practices, including the use of cyanide in small-scale operations and galamsey.

The lack of robust regulations and enforcement has intensified this issue, transforming once-productive farmers into desperate miners amidst the ongoing mining boom.In response to these challenges, the civil society organizations have proposed several solutions, advocating for a non-partisan approach, a moratorium on new mining licenses, and a united citizen mass action to address the crisis effectively.

“A non-partisan approach to the fight against the menace of all kinds of surface mining operations. Placing a moratorium on the grant of mining licences to cover all categories of mining.“Promotion of Joint Citizens’ Mass Actions involving the Clergy, Churches, Workers, Market Women, Media, Traditional Authorities etc., to hold governments to commitments to fight all forms of surface mining issues including galamsey.

“A complete review of laws and regulations governing mining operations to include strong environmental safeguards,” part of the statement read.In response to the ongoing crisis, the government has implemented several measures to combat illegal mining.

As part of the "Operation Halt" initiative, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has deployed military personnel to safeguard forest reserves and water bodies from unauthorized mining activities. This initiative aims to intensify efforts to crack down on illegal operations and protect Ghana’s natural resources from further exploitation.