The Ghana Coalition Against Galamsey (GCAG) has called on the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) to take urgent steps to halt the supply of fuel to illegal mining operations nationwide.

In a petition dated Saturday, April 18 and addressed to the Authority’s Chief Executive, Edudzi Tamakloe, the coalition proposed a number of interventions aimed at disrupting what it described as the main driver of galamsey activities.

Among its key proposals is for the NPA to undertake detailed, data-based assessments of fuel distribution patterns, with a focus on identifying filling stations in mining-prone areas recording unusually high sales volumes relative to the number of registered vehicles. The group is also urging that findings from such reviews be made publicly available.

GCAG further recommended that licences of Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) found to be supplying fuel to illegal miners be withdrawn, alongside a lifetime ban on directors of such firms from operating within the downstream petroleum industry. It also wants those implicated to be referred to the Attorney-General for possible prosecution.

The coalition additionally called for the rigorous application of “Know Your Customer” (KYC) measures, requiring fuel suppliers to verify the legitimacy of clients, particularly those purchasing diesel in large quantities using bulk containers.

It also emphasised the need for closer coordination between the NPA and security agencies to track and intercept fuel consignments suspected to be destined for illegal mining sites.

Beyond this, the group is advocating stricter enforcement of environmental regulations to ensure that individuals and companies aiding illegal mining through fuel supply are held accountable.

GCAG maintains that restricting access to fuel is one of the most effective strategies for curbing illegal mining, stressing the need for swift and decisive action to safeguard the environment.