{
  "id": 20026719,
  "title": "Politicians are frustrating galamsey enforcement – Ken Ashigbey",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/14/politicians-are-frustrating-galamsey-enforcement-ken-ashigbey",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-14T18:15:36.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Adom Online",
    "slug": "adom-online",
    "url": "https://www.adomonline.com/politicians-are-frustrating-galamsey-enforcement-ken-ashigbey/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Kenneth Ashigbey, the Media Coalition Against Galamsey's convenor, has criticized politicians for interfering with efforts to combat illegal mining. During an interview on JoyNews’ Newsfile, Ashigbey stated that some individuals entrusted with addressing illegal mining are actually involved in it themselves. He referred to this as \"firefighters being arsonists,\" highlighting the irony that those designated to tackle the issue are the very people perpetrating it. Ashigbey noted that some Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs), who aim to enforce the law, are facing pressure to abandon their efforts, thus undermining enforcement and allowing illegal mining to continue unabated. Despite some DCEs and MCEs attempting to act appropriately, they are being coerced by politicians to back away from their responsibilities, Ashigbey explained. Additionally, he raised concerns regarding threats against military personnel and attacks linked to illegal mining activities. Ashigbey questioned the impunity enjoyed by illegal mining operators, even in the presence of security forces, and called for comprehensive investigations into the individuals and interests supporting criminal activities in mining regions. He emphasized the need to distinguish between legitimate mining operators and those engaged in violence, intimidation, and the transport of ammunition to mining communities. Responsible miners, according to Ashigbey, should be safeguarded, while criminal operators should face decisive action. Ashigbey also supported the recommendations of the Catholic Bishops Conference on illegal mining, stating that the bishops' call contains all the necessary solutions. He urged President John Dramani Mahama to heed the bishops' advice and endorse their call for a state of emergency in areas severely impacted by galamsey. Ashigbey firmly believes that the President must heed the Catholic bishops' message, signaling that enough is enough and calling for a state of emergency in these critical areas.",
  "summary": "Kenneth Ashigbey, Convenor of the Media Coalition Against Galamsey, has accused politicians of interfering with local efforts to stop illegal mining. Speaking on JoyNews’ Newsfile on Saturday, 14 November, he said some people trusted with fighting illegal mining are involved in it, and he did not name anyone. “This is evidence of what we talk […]",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "MyJoyOnline Ghana",
        "title": "Ken Ashigbey urges Mahama to declare a state of emergency in galamsey hotspots",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/14/ken-ashigbey-urges-mahama-to-declare-a-state-of-emergency-in-galamsey",
        "published": "2026-11-14T17:45:46.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}