Pro-Environmental group Eco-Conscious Citizens has described the Mahama-led government’s efforts to combat illegal mining—popularly known as galamsey as inadequate and lacking the necessary political will to address the crisis effectively.
This criticism follows recent actions by the Administrator of the Minerals Development Fund, Dr. Hannah Bissiw, who has taken the fight into her own hands by leading security personnel in raids on illegal mining sites. While some have praised her commitment, others view the highly publicized actions—often accompanied by live commentary and emotional outbursts—as political theater.
Despite the controversy, Coordinator of Eco-Conscious Citizens, Awula Serwah, is calling for more than symbolic gestures.
Speaking on StarrToday with Tutuwaa Danso, she stressed the urgent need for deliberate and sustained political action.
“We need to raise awareness so that armed personnel can be deployed effectively. Unfortunately, even those who are armed are sometimes chased away by environmental terrorists. This clearly shows that we are not doing enough.”
She acknowledged efforts made by some government institutions:
“The IGP is making efforts. The Minister for Lands is also taking steps. I do not want to dismiss the work being done—we must commend these efforts.”
However, she was quick to add that such efforts remain insufficient in the face of what she described as an existential threat:
“This is a crisis that demands decisive action. We must take the bull by the horns and address the root of the problem.”
Awula Serwah highlighted the demands of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) before the last general election, which included the declaration of a targeted state of emergency and the repeal—not just amendment—of L.I. 2462, the legislative instrument regulating aspects of small-scale mining.
“It has been deeply disappointing that only an amendment was made instead of a full repeal. Furthermore, the professor’s report, which contains critical recommendations, remains unimplemented.”
She concluded with a sharp critique:
“What seems to be lacking is the real political will to tackle this issue once and for all.”
Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh/Benjamin Sackey
