We owe it to helicopter crash victims to end galamsey – Awula Serwah

Awula Serwah, a coordinator for Eco-Conscious Citizens, has urged decisive action against illegal mining, emphasizing that Ghana must address the tragedy of the August 6 helicopter crash victims and others affected by the ongoing issue. Speaking on JoyNews’ The Pulse, Ms Serwah characterized illegal mining as an "ongoing ecocide" and likened the helicopter disaster to a broader environmental and humanitarian crisis.

She lamented the loss of eight lives in the crash and highlighted additional victims including children, deformed babies, mothers facing mercury poisoning, and police officers who drowned while attempting to apprehend illegal miners in water bodies.

Ms Serwah argued that mere community or responsible mining initiatives would not suffice unless authorities strictly enforced the law, underlining that mere possession of a mining license does not equate to lawful operation if conditions are not adhered to. She expressed concern over the issuance of mining licenses and questioned Ghana's capacity to monitor these permits effectively.

The illegal mining issue persists, she stated, with operations continuing in forest reserves and water bodies. Ms Serwah criticized traditional leaders, political authorities, and police commanders for their inaction, noting a sense of entitlement that fuels the issue. She also urged the Ghana Water Company to publish detailed water-quality test results, including heavy metal levels, to inform the public about the severity of pollution caused by illegal mining.

Ms Serwah concluded by stating that Ghana could resolve the illegal mining crisis with the right political will.