Awula Serwah, the Lead Member of Eco-Conscious Ghana, has voiced her dissatisfaction with the government’s handling of illegal mining, commonly referred to as “galamsey.”

Several illegal miners took to their heels in the Atiwa East and West Districts when the joint task force commissioned by the government to deal with the menace stormed the area on Thursday, October 10, 2024.

The task force working under the code-name Operation Halt 2 commenced operations in the Birim basin to rid the area of illegal miners who have destroyed water quality.

Upon learning of the team’s arrival in the area, several illegal miners operating in the Birim basin disappeared leaving behind their machines.

Speaking during an interview on GHOne TV on the development, madam Serwah pointed out the failure of past efforts and questioned the government’s commitment to resolving the issue.

“We’ve made similar efforts in terms of curbing and ending illegal mining. It hasn’t quite yielded the desired results, and that’s why we find ourselves here now,” she noted, highlighting the ongoing environmental damage despite the interventions.

She also criticized the lack of accountability in major cases, particularly mentioning the Tano-Nimiri Forest Reserve. “For example, you have the case of the Tano-Nimiri Forest Reserve, where Akonta Minning was reported to have destroyed parts of the forest. There was no accountability,” she said. “The media again came and said it was right to pursue the matter. To this date, we haven’t seen a docket on it.”

She expressed concern that those meant to enforce the law might be involved in the illegal activities themselves. “Many of the times the firefighters themselves were the assailants,” she asserted, implying that some authorities may be complicit in the ongoing environmental degradation.

She was particularly frustrated with the Minerals Commission, noting that they continue to issue mining licenses despite the government’s supposed commitment to stopping illegal mining. “We’ve asked for a clause on issuing licenses. As we speak, the Minerals Commission is still issuing licenses. So it doesn’t look like there’s a seriousness in capping or dealing with illegal mining once and for all,” she added.

Despite numerous efforts to address the issue, She remains skeptical of the government’s sincerity, stating, “What we’re trying to do is divide the room, stop the strike from taking place, do a few things to give an impression that there’s something serious going on. But I’m not convinced. I’m not convinced.”