The Founder of Eco-Conscious Citizens Madam Awula Serwaa, has expressed deep dissatisfaction with the government’s delayed response in addressing the menace of illegal mining, also known as galamsey.
She criticized what she described as a lack of seriousness in tackling the existential threat posed by the activity. In her statement, she emphasized the urgent need for decisive action, criticizing both the current and previous administrations for failing to effectively address the issue.
Madam Awula Serwaa highlighted the importance of clear language in addressing the problem of illegal mining. She emphasized;
“If by galamsey, you mean illegal mining, what is illegal is a criminal activity. So it’s not a question of banning it. It’s a question of enforcing the laws. You don’t ban stealing. Stealing is a criminal offense.”
Madam Awula Serwaa, Founder of Eco-Conscious Citizens
According to her, the focus should not be on “banning” illegal mining but on ensuring that existing laws are enforced effectively.
Madam Awula Serwaa criticized the government’s inability to act swiftly in the fight against illegal mining. She pointed out that Ghanaians did not vote for a mere change of faces but for real action. She bemoaned;
“We didn’t vote for musical chairs. We didn’t vote for one set of criminals replacing another set of criminals. And that is what seems to be happening.”
Madam Awula Serwaa, Founder of Eco-Conscious Citizens
Drawing a comparison to former U.S. President Donald Trump, she noted how he immediately took action upon assuming office.
“President Trump—I’m no fan of President Trump—but the things that he said he would do, he’s not waiting for 100 days or 120 days. From day one, he hit the ground running. There’s absolutely no excuse for the length of time it is taking.”
Madam Awula Serwaa, Founder of Eco-Conscious Citizens
The environmental and health impacts of illegal mining were central to Madam Awula Serwaa’s concerns. She stressed that failure to address the issue would lead to dire consequences for public health and the environment. She lamented;
“Of what good is retrieving stolen property if we are all dying from having been poisoned? If we’re all fighting for dialysis machines because of the kidney disease we have gotten through the poisoning of our water – either we don’t believe that we face an existential threat, or we are just not serious.”
Madam Awula Serwaa, Founder of Eco-Conscious Citizens
Lack of Preparedness in Combating Illegal Mining
Madam Awula Serwaa expressed frustration with the government’s lack of preparedness and commitment to tackling illegal mining. She emphasized;
“Ghana was prepared to send troops to a neighboring country when there was a coup. But you’re trying to tell me that we don’t have the manpower to deal effectively with the illegal miners?”
Madam Awula Serwaa, Founder of Eco-Conscious Citizens
She stressed the need for a well-equipped task force capable of handling the scale of the illegal mining crisis. She reiterated; “Before you go, you count the cost. You know that it’s not dealing with two people. So you go properly equipped.”
Madam Awula Serwaa warned that the current trajectory could lead to Ghana facing a situation similar to some Latin American countries where criminal cartels control parts of the country. She added;
“We are on a very slippery slope, and if we don’t act yesterday, the next best time is today. We are all going to face irreparable damage.”
Madam Awula Serwaa, Founder of Eco-Conscious Citizens
She urged the government to act immediately to prevent further deterioration of the situation.
Recommendations for Immediate Action
Madam Awula Serwaa outlined specific steps the government should take to address the illegal mining crisis. She called for the revocation of key legislative instruments and the declaration of a state of emergency. She noted;
“If he’s [President Mahama] serious about revoking EI 144, he doesn’t need anybody. He can do it straight away. If he’s serious about the state of emergency, it can be declared.”
“No mining, absolutely no mining. Even if they purport to have licensing, it should not be taking place in forest reserves or water bodies.”
Madam Awula Serwaa, Founder of Eco-Conscious Citizens
Madam Awula Serwaa concluded her statement with a plea to the government to demonstrate genuine commitment to tackling illegal mining. She emphasized that the time for action is now.
“We are saying that today, we are all going to face irreparable damage. If we don’t take matters seriously, we will go down the line of some Latin American countries. The next best time to act is today.”
Madam Awula Serwaa, Founder of Eco-Conscious Citizens
Her call serves as a wake-up call for the government to prioritize the fight against illegal mining and safeguard the nation’s future.
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