The Minority in Ghana’s Parliament has thrown its full weight behind the Presbyterian Church of Ghana’s nationwide anti-galamsey campaign, describing the church’s “Red Sunday” initiative as a timely and powerful intervention in the fight against illegal mining.
In a strongly worded statement issued on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, the Minority Caucus on the Parliamentary Select Committee on Lands and Natural Resources welcomed the Presbyterian Church’s decision to dedicate a special Sunday to raising awareness and mobilising against galamsey — the destructive practice of illegal small-scale mining that has severely degraded Ghana’s rivers, forests, and farmlands.
“The decision of one of Ghana’s most respected religious institutions to dedicate a ‘Red Sunday’ campaign to the fight against galamsey is a clear indication of the depth of concern across the country,” the statement read.
Criticism of government’s handling
While commending the Church, the Minority used the occasion to sharply criticize the current government’s performance on the galamsey issue. The statement noted that the government came to power on strong promises to eradicate illegal mining under its “Reset Agenda,” yet the menace has reportedly worsened in less than two years.
The Minority emphasized that the fight against galamsey should not be reduced to partisan politics, stressing the need to treat it as a national emergency that transcends political affiliations.
“The galamsey enterprise has been enabled, protected, or sustained by individuals within politically exposed circles and other influential actors,” the statement observed. “This reality further underscores the need for stronger institutions, stricter enforcement, and systems that are insulated from political interference.”
Call for institutional reform
A key highlight of the Minority’s position is the call for a more sustainable and apolitical institutional framework to combat illegal mining. The statement reviewed past interventions — Operation Vanguard, GalamStop, and the current NAIMOS — noting that while they showed varying levels of commitment, simply rebranding enforcement bodies is insufficient.
The Minority is pushing for NAIMOS (National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations) to be formally established through Legislative Instruments (L.I.) that clearly define its mandate, powers, structure, accountability mechanisms, and operational independence.
Such legal backing, they argue, would shield the anti-galamsey fight from political interference and ensure continuity across successive governments.
Broader national appeal
The Minority further called on all faith-based organizations, civil society groups, traditional leaders, the media, and concerned citizens to join the Presbyterian Church’s effort, describing the growing involvement of religious bodies as evidence of the urgency of the situation.
The statement was signed by Kwaku Ampratwum-Sarpong, Member of Parliament for Mampong and Ranking Member of the Parliamentary Committee on Lands and Natural Resources.
Significance
The Minority’s endorsement adds significant political momentum to the Presbyterian Church’s campaign at a time when environmental degradation caused by illegal mining continues to threaten Ghana’s water security, agriculture, and public health. The call for institutionalizing the fight against galamsey reflects a growing consensus that short-term, politically driven operations are no longer adequate for tackling what many describe as a national crisis.
The full statement is expected to fuel ongoing national discussions on environmental protection and sustainable mining practices in Ghana.
