Mr Abu Kasangbata,  a former Deputy Upper West Regional Minister has described as a historic and forward-looking initiative by President John Dramani Mahama to formally engage civil society organizations (CSOs) on Friday to deliberate on strategies for illegal mining.
The meeting is to tackle the persistent menace of illegal small-scale mining, popularly known as galamsey.
“The move is being hailed as a decisive step towards addressing one of Ghana’s most pressing environmental and socio-economic challenges”
In a statement copied to the Ghana News Agency in Accra. Mr Kasangbata underscored the significance of the president’s decision, describing it as “a bold and unique opportunity for the country.”
He explained that civil society had always played a critical role in strengthening democratic culture, amplifying the voices of the voiceless, and holding leadership accountable.
He said President Mahama’s choice to involve CSOs in shaping the fight against galamsey signalled a new era of collaborative governance.
“Illegal mining has long plagued Ghana, leaving in its wake devastated farmlands, polluted rivers, and destroyed livelihoods. Despite successive government efforts, the practice continues to thrive, driven by poverty, unemployment, and in some cases, the complicity of powerful actors”.
He said the environmental costs are staggering: major water bodies such as the Pra, Ankobra, and Offin have suffered significant pollution, while entire ecosystems had been eroded.
Against this backdrop, Mr Kasangbata noted that the fight could not be won by the president or government machinery alone.
“This is a fight that requires collective responsibility. CSOs bring expertise, grassroots knowledge, and advocacy power that government cannot do without, what makes this planned engagement historic, he continued, is that it represents the first time a sitting president has proactively sought the structured input of civil society on the galamsey issue in such a comprehensive way.”
The initiative is expected to bring together a diverse array of CSOs from environmental advocacy groups and policy think tanks to faith-based organizations and local community associations.
Each of these groups, Mr Kasangbata argued, had unique insights that can help craft solutions which are not only effective but also sustainable.
“The planned dialogue underscores the recognition that the galamsey fight is not merely a technical or legal problem, but a national development issue with wide-ranging implications for health, security, and future generations.
By reaching out to civil society, President Mahama is being commended for demonstrating a commitment to inclusive governance and for showing leadership that seeks consensus rather than confrontation.
Mr Kasangbata urged CSOs to seize the opportunity to propose innovative yet practical solutions, stressing that their collective wisdom could shape policies that will outlast political cycles.
“It is crucial for all of us,” he said, adding that the engagement should serve as the beginning of a new, united front against the scourge of galamsey. Ultimately, the success of this initiative will depend on the willingness of all stakeholders government, civil society, local communities, and traditional authorities to work together. If harnessed effectively, this partnership could pave the way for a more sustainable and responsible use of Ghana’s natural resources, ensuring a brighter future for generations to come”.