In the ongoing battle against illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, environmental activists and concerned citizens continue to express their frustration over the lack of meaningful action. One such voice is Awula Serwaa, the Coordinator of Eco-Conscious Citizens, who has been outspoken about the government’s inadequate efforts in tackling the issue. Madam Serwaa voiced her concerns about current affairs, painting a grim picture of Ghana’s environmental future. Madam Serwaa began by addressing the perception that the fight against illegal mining has been lost.
“I wouldn’t say it’s lost. What I would say is that there is no fight, there is no serious fight going on.”
Awula Serwaa the Coordinator of Eco-Conscious Citizens
This underscored that while the battle may not be completely lost, the necessary actions to reverse the damage are not being taken. “We can begin a serious fight,” she continued, implying that there is still hope if the right steps are taken. However, for this to happen, “the political will” must be present, or “the people [must] force our leaders to do the right thing.” Despite the urgent need for action, Madam Serwaa is unconvinced that any meaningful fight against galamsey is underway. She stated; “Currently, you can’t convince me there’s any fight going on.”
This statement reflects her belief that the current efforts are insufficient to address the magnitude of the problem.
Destructive Legislation and Policy Decisions
One of the key issues Madam Serwaa raised was the passage of LI 2462, legislation that allows mining in forest reserves, including areas of global significance for biodiversity. “Who would go and pass such a legislation?” she questioned, emphasizing the absurdity of allowing mining in these ecologically sensitive areas.
Madam Serwaa highlighted the inconsistency of this legislation with the reality on the ground, where illegal mining activities have already decimated large swathes of forests. According to Serwaa, this shows that “we’ve lost the plot.” Madam Serwaa pointed to the broader consequences of galamsey on Ghana’s environment, particularly its rivers.
“Our rivers are being poisoned. We know that without water, we all die.”
Awula Serwaa the Coordinator of Eco-Conscious Citizens
Instead of pausing small-scale mining, which is responsible for much of the destruction, Madam Serwaa noted that, the government is “rather increasing it.” This contradiction in policy and practice is deeply troubling to her, as it suggests a lack of serious commitment to solving the problem.
The Environmental and Health Crisis
Madam Serwaa also touched on the long-standing awareness of the environmental and health crisis caused by illegal mining.
“For a long time, we’ve known that we had a crisis. The writing has been on the wall.”
Awula Serwaa the Coordinator of Eco-Conscious Citizens
Ghana Water has repeatedly warned that if the current rate of pollution continues, they will be unable to supply clean water to the population. “We might have to import water,” she added, illustrating the dire consequences of inaction. In addition to the environmental impact, Serwaa highlighted the human cost of galamsey.
“We know about the rise in kidney disease, and neurological diseases. We know about the deformed babies.”
Awula Serwaa the Coordinator of Eco-Conscious Citizens
Madam Serwaa referenced the devastating health effects of mercury and other pollutants used in illegal mining. The situation has also led to an increase in maternal deaths, as well as accidents in open pits, where both children and adults have lost their lives.
Lack of Accountability and Political Will
What frustrates Serwaa most is the lack of accountability and political will to address the issue.
“What shows that there’s no fight going on is that there’s been no serious action on Professor Boateng’s report.”
Awula Serwaa the Coordinator of Eco-Conscious Citizens
This inaction, according to Serwaa, is indicative of the government’s reluctance to tackle the problem head-on.
Moreover, Madam Serwaa criticized the lack of consequences for high-profile offenders like Akonta Mining, which was accused of destroying parts of the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve. “Our president sought to defend him,” she noted, expressing disappointment in President Nana Akufo-Addo, who once declared that he would put his presidency on the line to fight galamsey. In her view, this defense of wrongdoers demonstrates that the president’s commitment to the fight is superficial at best.
A Broken Promise?
Madam Serwaa referenced President Akufo-Addo’s 2017 statement, where he boldly claimed that he was willing to risk his presidency to combat illegal mining.
“In my experience, if you put your presidency on the line, and things are far worse, your position becomes untenable.”
Awula Serwaa the Coordinator of Eco-Conscious Citizens
As Madam Serwaa sees it, the reality is that the president’s pledge has not been fulfilled. Instead, the situation has worsened, and the government’s response has been inadequate. Reflecting on the 2020 election, she pointed out that the president later acknowledged that his party suffered electoral losses in areas affected by mining. Despite this realization, meaningful action has yet to follow. The disconnect between the president’s words and the government’s actions is a source of deep frustration for Serwaa and many other concerned citizens.
Awula Serwaa painted a bleak picture of Ghana’s fight against illegal mining. She emphasized that the fight is not lost but is far from being waged with the seriousness it deserves.
From destructive legislation to the environmental and health crises, the consequences of inaction are becoming increasingly clear. Without strong political will and accountability, Madam Serwaa fears that the situation will continue to deteriorate, with devastating consequences for both the environment and the people of Ghana.
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