It said this should be done with urgency “as a clear testament” of government’s commitment to the fight against illegal mining, commonly called galamsey in local circles.

"The government must act decisively in accordance with Act 995 to demonstrate that no one is above the law," the coalition stated in a release dated May 18, 2025 and signed by its Convener, Ken Ashigbey, and member, Senyo Hosi.

The group criticised government for its failure to prosecute Akonta Mining Limited, the mining entity linked to the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the NPP, for its alleged involvement in serious environmental crimes.

It said the coalition was equally “highly disappointed and shocked by the government's copious failure to enforce Ghana's laws against the criminal conduct of Akonta Mining Ltd. 

“In the wake of the devastating pollution of our water bodies, such as the Tano River, and the decimation of our forest resources, including the destruction of the Tano Nmiri Forest Reserve, the well-documented illegal activities of Akonta Mining Ltd, since 2022, remain not only outstanding without action, but are seemingly ignored,” the statement said.

The statement comes four weeks after the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, ordered the revocation of the mining licence of Akonta Mining at a news conference in Accra.

Mr Buah said Akonta Mining, although legally registered and granted a lease to mine off-reserve, had been involved in egregious breaches of mining regulations, including operating illegally in protected forest reserves.

“This company has not only trespassed into protected reserves but has become a criminal syndicate, selling access to the Aboi Forest Reserve to illegal miners for a staggering GH₵300,000 per concession,” Mr Buah said.

“Worse, these illegal miners operate under Akonta’s protection, devastating the River Tano and surrounding forests with impunity,” the minister added.

The coalition said following a documentary facilitated by the group and aired by the ministry during the April 21, 2025 news conference, “we were assured of swift action against the directors of Akonta Mining and government officials (Mineral Commission, Forestry Commission and security services) found culpable through negligence or aiding and abetting”.

“It has been a month on, and yet no arrest has been effected, nor has prosecution commenced.

This sets a dangerous precedent as it paints a picture of the reign of impunity and political accommodation,” the statement said.

It said while the coalition acknowledged that the government had done well to freeze the accounts of Akonta Mining Ltd, which confirmed its recognition of the company's involvement in illegal activities, there was no justification for the continued delay in prosecuting those alleged responsible for the environmental crimes.

“This is the time to send a strong and unambiguous message to politically exposed persons that impunity will not be tolerated, whether under the cover of political association, high social status, or any other privilege.

The fight against galamsey must be fair, fearless, and uncompromising.

The government must prove its commitment by ensuring that justice is served swiftly and without exception,” the statement said.

The coalition further reminded President John Dramani Mahama and the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumani Kingsford Bagbin, of the petitions submitted to them requesting presidential and parliamentary action on allegations of illegal mining involvement by the Member of Parliament for Aowin Constituency, Oscar Larbi, stating: “we are still awaiting a response to the petition”.