The Coordinator of Eco-Conscious Citizens, Awula Serwah, has urged authorities to strengthen monitoring systems under the responsible mining initiative to prevent licensed operations from causing further environmental destruction. Madam Serwah emphasised that granting mining licences must be accompanied by effective supervision to ensure operators follow approved regulations.
She disclosed that the anniversary of the helicopter crash linked to the fight against illegal mining should serve as a reminder of the human cost of environmental destruction. The Coordinator noted that several lives have been lost through mining activities, including children who fell into abandoned pits, mothers affected by mercury exposure and security officers who died during operations on water bodies.
“Unless you have the resources, and you are going to monitor, and you are going to ensure that those who are licensed go in accordance with the parameters of their licence, it’s not going to be particularly helpful.”
Awula Serwah
Addressing the responsible mining initiative, the Coordinator explained that changing the name of mining programmes would achieve little without proper oversight mechanisms. She referenced the position of Professor Frimpong Boateng, who highlighted that operators who exceed the limits of their licences engage in illegal mining.
According to Madam Serwah, licensing should not be considered a complete approval for unrestricted activities. She compared the situation to other regulated areas where individuals can face sanctions when they fail to follow established rules.
Therefore, she called for stronger systems that would allow authorities to track mining operations and ensure compliance with approved standards. The Coordinator noted that communities and government institutions must work together to protect water bodies and forests from further degradation.
Furthermore, Madam Serwah commended President John Dramani Mahama for revoking E.I. 144, which affected portions of the Achimota Forest. She also acknowledged the Attorney General’s decision to dismiss charges against the Atronsu 5, describing these actions as steps towards environmental protection.
The Coordinator however noted that illegal mining activities continue in several areas despite ongoing interventions. She urged stakeholders to move beyond policies and focus on practical monitoring measures that can prevent mining licences from being abused.
Madam Serwah also appealed to the Ghana Water Resources Commission to publish detailed reports on the quality of water bodies across the country. She explained that information on heavy metals and other pollutants would help citizens understand the impact of mining activities on public health and the environment.
Mining Licences Alone Cannot Guarantee Responsible Operations
The Coordinator of Eco-Conscious Citizens, Awula Serwah also called for greater accountability in Ghana’s mining sector by urging authorities to examine whether existing institutions can effectively monitor the increasing number of mining licences issued. She revealed that the success of responsible mining depends on the ability of regulators to ensure operators remain within the limits of their approvals.
Discussing the wider environmental situation, Madam Serwah explained that illegal mining continues to affect rivers and forests in several parts of the country. She disclosed that some communities are experiencing difficulties because of polluted water sources and environmental damage caused by unregulated activities.
“Illegal mining can only go on if either the chiefs are involved, the political authority is involved, or the police command is not doing what it should do.”
Awula Serwah
In addition, Madam Serwah highlighted the Atewa Forest Reserve as a major environmental area requiring urgent protection. She explained that the forest serves as the source of important rivers including the Birim, Ayensu and Densu, which support millions of Ghanaians.
The Coordinator disclosed that the Atewa Matters campaign continues to advocate for the forest to receive stronger legal protection through national park status. She explained that such a designation would provide additional safeguards against activities threatening the ecosystem.
Moreover, Madam Serwah urged institutions responsible for water management to provide detailed scientific information on pollution levels. She stressed that publishing results on heavy metals would allow citizens to understand the condition of Ghana’s water resources.
She referenced concerns raised by environmental groups and civil society organisations about the continued operation of machines in mining areas. The Coordinator explained that such activities contribute to the destruction of water bodies and require urgent attention from enforcement agencies.
Against this backdrop, Madam Serwah highlighted the achievements of Jema, where local efforts have helped preserve the environment. She revealed that the community’s collaboration with Nana Enuku Annor II and Father JB (Dr Joseph Blay) through JAGA Jema Anti Galamsey Advocacy has supported patrols aimed at protecting forests and rivers.
The Coordinator argued that the Jema example shows that local involvement remains important in addressing illegal mining. She encouraged communities across Ghana to strengthen partnerships that promote environmental protection and responsible resource management.
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