The Convener of Fix the Country Movement and Member of the Democracy Hub Oliver Barker-Vormawor has once again sparked attention with his outspoken stance on the environmental crisis engulfing Ghana as a result of illegal Mining following the Fix the Country decision to embark on a 3-day protest.

As illegal mining, or galamsey, continues to degrade the country’s lands and rivers, Mr. Vormawor outlined critical demands for addressing the issue. He argued that to tackle the crisis, accountability must be taken at the highest levels of leadership, particularly within key institutions responsible for environmental stewardship.

“There has to be some accountability taken at the highest level and those individuals who have been in charge of the republic’s key institutions about fighting the problem… ought to take the third step by stepping aside to resign or be removed.”
Oliver Barker-Vormawor the Convener of Fix the Country Movement and Member of the Democracy Hub

He emphasized that unless these officials take responsibility, the efforts to resolve the crisis will be futile.

Mr. Vormawor’s message was clear, “We cannot ask the problem for solutions.” He believes those who have been part of the environmental crisis cannot be involved in framing solutions. To bring greater attention to the environmental crisis, Mr. Vormawor announced a three-day protest set to take place from September 21 to September 23, 2024, at the Revolutionary Square in Accra. According to Mr. Vormawor, the movement has already completed all legal requirements for the protest, including notifying the police. He outlined plans to ensure the safety of the demonstrators by providing water, medical support, and an educational framework during the protest. The protest aims to engage citizens in understanding the gravity of the environmental issues and the need for reforms.

Involvement of Young People

Mr. Vormawor particularly emphasized the role of young people in the protest and the broader movement for environmental justice. He explained that youth, as the generation most affected by the ongoing degradation, have a crucial role in demanding change.

“The key constituents whose features are most affected by what is happening are young people. The constitution talks about the environment as an intergenerational legacy we also need for posterity.”
Oliver Barker-Vormawor the Convener of Fix the Country Movement and Member of the Democracy Hub

He stressed that this is not an elite-driven process but one with “grassroots or young people resonance.” Mr. Vormawor’s appeal to the youth was part of his larger vision for involving everyday citizens in addressing the nation’s environmental challenges

Resignations as the First Step

In addition to calling for the resignation of the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Mr. Vormawor broadened his demand to include the Minister for the Environment, the heads of the Forestry Commission, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the Minerals Commission. These officials, he argued, have failed to take meaningful action in curbing illegal mining and must be sacked from office.

“Unless we can engage them in a process where the institutions take accountability for what they have done, all the measures we are proposing are not going to go ahead.”
Oliver Barker-Vormawor the Convener of Fix the Country Movement and Member of the Democracy Hub

Mr. Vormawor noted, suggesting that the leaders of these institutions have been ineffective. Mr. Vormawor touched on the call for a state of emergency as a possible solution to the illegal mining crisis.

“People don’t understand what the state of emergency means. It means the suspension of our human rights. We don’t think that we need to suspend our human rights, to be able to enforce our laws.”
Oliver Barker-Vormawor the Convener of Fix the Country Movement and Member of the Democracy Hub

Mr. Vormawor stressed that enforcing existing laws without violating constitutional rights is the way forward.

He was critical of those proposing a state of emergency without offering a credible roadmap for achieving concrete results, cautioning against knee-jerk solutions that may do more harm than good. Responding to a proposal by the Center for Climate Change and Food Security to criminalize ecocide—an environmental crime akin to murder with a minimum sentence of 25 years—Mr. Vormawor acknowledged that it is a conversation worth having. However, he stressed that any solution must begin with accountability and a clear framework.

“Anytime we propose and put solutions on the table, we need to ask ourselves what are the end goal and how is it connected and integrated with a holistic reform of our processes.”
Oliver Barker-Vormawor the Convener of Fix the Country Movement and Member of the Democracy Hub

Economic Roots of Environmental Degradation

At the heart of Mr. Vormawor’s argument was the recognition of the economic dimensions of the environmental crisis. He pointed out that many of those involved in illegal mining, particularly young people, are economically disenfranchised. He reiterated; “The truth is that there’s an economic problem at the heart of this environmental degradation.” He noted suggesting that the rise in poverty and lack of economic opportunities are driving individuals, especially the youth, into illegal mining activities. He added; “We do not have alternative livelihood framework that I put in place,” he said, emphasizing the need for long-term solutions beyond merely sending security forces to mining sites to enforce laws. “It requires thinking and solutions. It’s not a time for quick fixes. Mr. Vormawor reiterated the need for a comprehensive framework that addresses both the environmental and economic challenges facing Ghana.

“If not, any of our environmental parts that we are signing, are not going to subscribe to that channel. They don’t see the reality of an environment for tomorrow when hand that date for today.”
Oliver Barker-Vormawor the Convener of Fix the Country Movement and Member of the Democracy Hub

He warned that without proper solutions, the environmental treaties and laws being signed will hold little significance for those struggling to survive today.