Political activist and legal practitioner Oliver Barker-Vormawor has strongly criticized the government’s handling of the fight against illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey.
He expressed deep frustration over what he sees as the continued presence of individuals who allegedly facilitated environmental destruction while law enforcement is being turned against those working to combat it.
According to Barker-Vormawor, despite the goodwill extended to the administration in its early months, key figures accused of enabling illegal mining remain in office.
“We are now nearing the end of the first quarter of this administration, and many of us have given the government the space to settle in and get to work. But to this day, key individuals who enabled and profited from the destruction of our environment remain in office—take, for example, the Head of the Minerals Commission.”
Oliver Barker-Vormawor
Barker-Vormawor’s concerns were heightened following an alarming incident involving a Forestry Commission officer assigned to an anti-galamsey Rapid Response Team.
According to him, the officer was unlawfully detained by individuals allegedly connected to the national security apparatus.
Detailing the events, Barker-Vormawor claimed that two armed men on motorbikes intercepted the officer, forcibly ordered him into a vehicle, and threatened to shoot him if he resisted. “He was then driven to the Achimota Police Station, but the officer on duty rightfully refused to detain him.“
He further disclosed that the arrest was allegedly carried out on the orders of the Eastern Regional Security Council (RegSec) due to the officer’s involvement in a 33-member Rapid Response Team that had destroyed excavators used in illegal mining.
This action, he suggested, appeared to be a response to the team’s crackdown on illegal mining activities, raising concerns about potential interference in efforts to combat environmental destruction caused by galamsey operations.
Secret Detention And Intimidation Tactics
Furthermore, Oliver Barker-Vormawor revealed that although the police initially refused to detain the officer, his captors took him to an undisclosed location, where he was held until the early hours of Wednesday, March 5, 2025.
Around 2 a.m., a police patrol team from Kyebi was dispatched to retrieve him, after which he was formally taken into custody.
He indicated that attempts by the Forestry Commission to secure his release were reportedly met with resistance, as authorities instead insisted that all members of the Rapid Response Team report to give caution statements.
Accordingly, Barker-Vormawor condemned this development as a dangerous misuse of state power.
“If this is what the government’s so-called reset looks like—preserving old rot while turning the machinery of the state against those working to protect our environment—then I want no part of it.”
Oliver Barker-Vormawor
Expressing his discontent, Barker-Vormawor warned that the President cannot afford to engage in “double-speak” or half-hearted measures when dealing with illegal mining.
“Galamsey must not become his new dumsor. Act decisively now, or risk losing those whose faith brought you back into power.”
Oliver Barker-Vormawor
Illegal mining remains a major challenge in Ghana, causing extensive environmental degradation, including deforestation, pollution of water bodies, and destruction of farmlands.
While the government has made numerous commitments to tackle the menace, concerns persist over enforcement inconsistencies, political interference, and lack of accountability.
Barker-Vormawor’s remarks add to the growing calls for stronger governance in the natural resources sector.
His criticism underscores the urgency of the situation, particularly as reports of illegal mining continue to surface despite government pledges to clamp down on the activity.
As the debate intensifies, many Ghanaians will be watching closely to see if the new government takes concrete steps to hold those responsible for environmental destruction accountable, while ensuring that those on the frontlines of the fight against galamsey are adequately protected.
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