Civil society coalition petitions National Petroleum Authority to cut fuel supply to illegal mining operations

A coalition of civil society organisations has formally petitioned the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) to take urgent regulatory action to halt the flow of fuel to illegal mining operations, warning that continued access to diesel is sustaining widespread environmental destruction across Ghana.

In a petition dated April 18, 2026, the Coalition Against Galamsey in Ghana called on the authority to implement “immediate and decisive regulatory action” to complement ongoing government efforts to combat illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.

Fuel supply identified as key driver

The coalition argued that while recent measures—such as restricting the importation of excavators—are commendable, they have not gone far enough to cripple illegal mining operations.

According to the group, the continued availability of diesel remains a critical enabler of galamsey activities.

“The ‘war machine’ of illegal mining continues to march on diesel,” the petition stated.

The coalition estimates that over 7,000 untracked excavators remain active across the country, many of them operating in remote areas where enforcement is difficult. It stressed that cutting off fuel supply would significantly disrupt operations, making it harder for illegal miners to sustain their activities.

“If we are to save our water bodies, forests, and the health of our people from this ecocide, we must cut the supply lines,” the group emphasised.

Allegations of complicity in fuel distribution

The petition also raised concerns about possible complicity within the fuel distribution chain, particularly among some Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs).

The coalition pointed to what it described as an “anomalous density” of fuel stations in known galamsey hotspots—areas that reportedly have more fuel outlets per capita than major urban centres despite having fewer registered vehicles.

It further alleged that some fuel suppliers fail to enforce adequate “Know Your Customer” (KYC) protocols, allowing large volumes of diesel to be sold without proper verification.

“We have witnessed large trucks loading massive containers of fuel for ‘gala people’,” the petition claimed.

Legal backing for enforcement

Citing provisions in the Minerals and Mining Act, the Criminal Offences Act, and the Environmental Protection Act, the coalition argued that entities knowingly supplying fuel to illegal mining operations could be considered complicit in criminal activity.

The group maintained that the NPA has both the legal mandate and regulatory authority to act decisively to prevent fuel diversion into illicit operations.

Civil Society Key demands to the National Petroleum Authority

Among its recommendations, the coalition is urging the authority to:

• Conduct data-driven audits to identify suspicious fuel sales patterns
• Revoke licences of non-compliant Oil Marketing Companies
• Strengthen enforcement of KYC requirements for bulk fuel purchases
• Collaborate with security agencies to intercept fuel consignments destined for illegal mining sites

These measures, the group believes, would significantly weaken the operational capacity of illegal miners.

Environmental urgency

The coalition framed the issue as a matter of national survival, warning that illegal mining continues to devastate water bodies, forests, and farmlands, with long-term consequences for public health and livelihoods.

“We cannot allow the environment to be murdered for profit,” the group declared.
“If we cut the fuel, we cut the lifeline. If we cut the lifeline, we save Ghana.”

Broader implications

The petition adds to growing pressure on regulators to adopt more targeted and systemic approaches in tackling galamsey, shifting focus from equipment seizures to disrupting supply chains that sustain the industry.

As environmental concerns intensify, stakeholders say decisive action on fuel control could become a turning point in Ghana’s fight against illegal mining.

Source: 3news.com