Lack of political will fuels illegal mining crisis – Awula Serwah

The Co-ordinator of Eco-Conscious Citizens, Awula Serwah, has warned that Ghana’s ongoing fight against illegal mining—widely known as galamsey—is being significantly undermined by a lack of political will at the highest levels of leadership.

Speaking during an interview on Super Morning Show on Joy FM, Ms Serwah described the environmental destruction caused by illegal mining as a grave and immediate threat to the country’s future. She stressed that continued inaction could lead to irreversible consequences for Ghana’s ecosystems and public health.

“We face an existential threat, and if we continue, we will all become extinct,” she cautioned, while also commending the media for its persistent efforts in bringing national attention to the issue of galamsey.

According to Ms Serwah, Ghana does not lack the knowledge or strategies needed to combat illegal mining. Instead, she believes the real problem lies in the unwillingness of authorities and stakeholders to take firm, coordinated action.

“What is lacking is the political will. That is what is lacking,” she emphasised. “If the political will is there and all hands are on deck—political authority, chiefs, civil society, and communities—how can we not defeat this canker?”

She highlighted successful examples of local resistance against illegal mining, particularly in the Ellembelle District. She pointed to the community of Jema as a model, where strong traditional leadership has effectively enforced anti-galamsey laws and protected the environment.

“Thanks to their visionary chief, there is no illegal mining in Jema,” she noted. “They have bylaws, they enforce them strictly, and they take action by arresting offenders. As a result, they have preserved their rainforest and safeguarded their natural resources.”

Ms Serwah questioned why such effective local interventions are not being replicated across other parts of the country, suggesting that scaling these efforts could significantly reduce illegal mining nationwide.

“Why can’t what is happening in Jema be repeated?” she asked.

The environmental advocate also expressed concern over the treatment of individuals and groups actively opposing illegal mining. She referenced reports from Atonsu, where some environmental defenders have allegedly faced prosecution for confronting illegal miners.

“Activists are being prosecuted for allegedly destroying two excavators that were destroying the landscape, while those polluting water bodies continue to walk free,” she said, raising concerns about fairness and justice.

In addition, Ms Serwah criticised allegations of complicity among some local government officials. She referred to a JoyNews investigation which claimed that certain District Chief Executives (DCEs) were involved in collecting money from operators of banned mining equipment known as “Changfan.”

“Changfan has been banned. By taking money from people operating it, you are complicit,” she stated firmly.

She also questioned the response from President of Ghana, expressing concern that the approach appeared to prioritise educating implicated officials rather than holding them accountable.

“I’m a little perplexed. Even my five-year-old niece understands that if something is illegal, supporting it makes you complicit,” she remarked.

She further challenged the criteria used in appointing Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs), suggesting that competence and understanding of responsibilities should take precedence over political affiliation.

“So, if we are saying they need education, then what kind of MCEs or DCEs are we appointing? Is it based on party affiliation, or on their understanding of the role? And if understanding is required, how can they still remain in office?” she questioned.

Ms Serwah concluded by stressing that the longevity of illegal mining practices cannot be used as an excuse for inaction.

“A crime is a crime, regardless of when it began,” she said.

Reiterating her central argument, she maintained that without decisive leadership and accountability, Ghana’s fight against illegal mining will remain ineffective.