A Rocha Ghana, an environmental non-governmental organization dedicated to sustainable conservation and biodiversity protection, has accused Ghanaian leaders of lacking the commitment needed to effectively combat illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.
The organization stressed that the fight against galamsey goes beyond arresting illegal miners and seizing excavators, weapons, and other equipment. It said sustained enforcement, prosecution, and political will are crucial to winning the battle against the menace.
Speaking on Bryt Adekyee Musem Morning Show, Daryl E. Bosu, Deputy National Director of A Rocha Ghana, stated that although the Forestry Commission arrested more than 100 illegal miners in the Abuakwa South Municipality last year, many of the suspects have not been prosecuted.
He called on the government and law enforcement agencies to ensure proper follow-up actions after arrests are made, arguing that the lack of prosecution undermines efforts to curb illegal mining.
According to Mr. Bosu, there has been little improvement in the fight against galamsey, as illegal mining activities continue in several communities across the country.
He also referenced the deaths of eight prominent Ghanaians in the military helicopter crash at Adansi Akrofuom in the Ashanti Region, noting that their efforts and sacrifices in the campaign against illegal mining have yet to produce the desired results.
Mr. Bosu further criticized the government for failing to fulfill its promises to effectively tackle the galamsey menace.
He revealed that illegal miners have, on several occasions, clashed with Forestry Commission personnel during enforcement operations, putting the lives of frontline officers at risk.
Despite his concerns, Mr. Bosu commended the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) for its efforts in supporting the fight against illegal mining.
Source:Mybrytfmonline.com/Nhyiraba Solomon Nartey
