An environmental activist, Awula Serwah has expressed her concerns about the ongoing devastation caused by illegal mining activities to water bodies and the overall standard of living in Ghana.
In a recent interview with Accra-based Joy News, the Eco-conscious coordinator argued that the issue cannot be solved merely by issuing licenses to miners.
She emphasized that for the fight against illegal mining to be effective, authorities and all stakeholders must go beyond the mere issuance of licenses.
Instead, they should focus on enforcing regulations and ensuring strict compliance.
According to Awula Naa, the lack of enforcement and adherence to existing rules has allowed illegal mining to persist, wreaking havoc on the environment.
“The problem is governance. Are we in the Wild West? It’s about compliance and enforcement. We should shift the argument now. It’s not just about illegal mining,it is illegal; they are committing a crime. When people commit a crime, what happens with law and order? It’s only in the Wild West that anyone can do what they like while the authorities stand idly by. When there is a government in place, you cannot do that, and if you don’t comply, then the law takes its course,” AwulaSerwah stated.
The issue of illegal mining, known locally as “galamsey,” has gained renewed attention following a release by the Management of Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL) in the Central Region.
The company attributed the current water crisis in Cape Coast, Elmina, and surrounding communities to illegal mining activities.
According to the GWCL, the recent demand-supply gap is a result of inadequate raw water being received at the Sekyere Hemang Water Treatment Plant (WTP) due to the effects of galamsey.
The GWCL explained that the pollution of the Pra River, especially at its catchment area for water abstraction, has severely reduced water availability.
“About sixty percent (60%) of the catchment capacity is silted as a result of illegal mining, compromising the quality of raw water. We are currently recording an average turbidity of 14,000 NTU instead of the 2,000 NTU designed for adequate treatment. Currently, the plant is able to produce only about 7,500 m³/day, a quarter of its installed capacity,” the company said in a release on August 31, 2024.
The Environmental Protection (Mining in Forest Reserves) Regulations, 2022 (L.I. 2462), which was enacted on June 23, 2022, allows mining in forest reserves under certain conditions thus restrictions on biodiversity areas.
This regulation derives its authority from Section 62(1) of the Environmental Protection Agency Act, 1994 (Act 490), empowering the Minister responsible for the Environment to make regulations to give effect to the Act.
However, Awula Serwah has criticized the L.I. 2462.
Awula Serwah argued that the current regulations are not effectively enforced due to lapses in L.I. 2462.
She is therefore calling for mining in forest reserves be withdrawn.
Eco-Conscious Ghana, led by Awula Serwah, is an environmental initiative focused on advocating for a clean, green, healthy and serene environment.
The movement continues to push for stronger measures against illegal mining and better governance in environmental protection.