Environmental advocacy group A Rocha Ghana has expressed deep concern that the battle against illegal mining, or galamsey, is already faltering under the new administration.
Speaking at a high-level multi-stakeholder dialogue in Kumasi, the Deputy National Director of A Rocha Ghana, Daryl Bosu, cautioned that without urgent citizen action and accountability, the country risks wasting another four years in ineffective attempts to curb environmental destruction.
“We saw the previous government put in their best, but ultimately, it yielded no meaningful results,” Bosu said. “Now, with a new administration in place, the signs are already pointing to a repeat of the same failures. If citizens don’t take a stand, we’re heading toward another cycle of disappointment.”
Mr. Bosu criticized the government’s approach to tackling galamsey, describing it as unoriginal and marked by a troubling reliance on previously failed tactics. He referenced past initiatives like Operation Vanguard, Operation Halt, and Galamstop, stating they offered no lasting solutions.
He added, “This government promised a fresh start, but so far, it’s clear they are falling back on old, ineffective methods. We’re already hearing excuses instead of seeing decisive action.”
The environmentalist also condemned the policy of deporting foreign nationals caught in illegal mining activities without prosecuting them, calling the practice unjust and ineffective.
“It is unacceptable that Ghanaian offenders face prosecution while foreigners are simply deported, often taking their illegal profits with them. This double standard weakens our justice system and does nothing to deter future violations,” Bosu said.
A Rocha Ghana is urging a full reassessment of the government’s anti-galamsey strategy. The group is calling for transparent enforcement of mining laws, equal treatment of all offenders, and greater civic engagement to protect Ghana’s environment.
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