The fight against illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, has become a cancer in Ghana primarily because the nation has failed to commit fully to stopping it, according to Awula Serwaa, coordinator of Eco-Conscious Citizens.
Speaking to Nyankonton Mu Nsem, she explained that galamsey persists due to either active involvement or direct complicity among influential figures.
She cited Jema in the Aowin Municipality of the Western North Region as a clear proof of concept: while neighboring towns suffer from widespread illegal mining, Jema remains entirely free of it.
This success occurred because local traditional rulers and stakeholders took bold, sustained steps to ban galamsey on their land. Awula Serwaa argued that if local leaders in Jema can successfully halt illegal operations, Ghana can eliminate the scourge nationwide.
The fight remains entirely achievable if political leaders, traditional authorities, and security agencies demonstrate genuine commitment and collaboration. Joint action by traditional authorities, the police, and District Chief
Executives (DCEs) can effectively replicate Jema’s success across the country.
“The fight against galamsey is not difficult,” she stated, emphasizing that the practice continues to thrive due to complicity at high levels. “We can stop it today, if we want to. The majority of responsibility lies with political authority, chiefs, and police commanders.”
She stressed that offenders must face the full force of the law regardless of whether they sponsor political parties, adding that those who disagree with recent judicial decisions, such as the 20-year jail term handed to Bernard Antwi Boasiako of the NPP, are free to appeal through legal channels.
Beyond political corruption, Awula Serwaa highlighted the profound human and financial toll of illegal mining.
Her foremost concern remains the loss of lives and property caused by these operations, alongside the massive national financial resources consumed by heavy machinery destruction.
She warned that anti-galamsey measures will continue to yield little result until authorities directly target equipment suppliers and stop ignoring local realities.
Despite existing bans on harmful machinery like chanfangs, major water bodies remain severely polluted and forest reserves stay under siege. Recalling past calls for a state of emergency, she noted that figures across the political spectrum have already acknowledged internal party involvement in illegal mining.
Ultimately, once political figures stop aiding and abetting illegal miners, the nation will finally be equipped to deal a decisive, final blow to galamsey.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
