We’re at ‘a point of hopelessness’ in the fight against galamsey – Daryl Bosu
Deputy Director of A Rocha Ghana, Daryl Bosu, has warned that Ghana's fight against illegal mining has reached "a point of hopelessness", saying the country's rivers and forests continue to suffer despite government interventions and the sacrifice of eight officials who died in last year's helicopter crash.
Daryl Bosu, Deputy Director of A Rocha Ghana, has expressed deep concern over the state of Ghana's battle against illegal mining, stating that the country has reached "a point of hopelessness." Speaking on Joy FM's Super Morning Show on August 6, Bosu lamented that despite government interventions and the loss of eight officials in last year's helicopter crash, the country's rivers and forests continue to suffer severely.
He criticized the systems put in place to tackle illegal mining, saying they have failed to deliver the expected results. "Every system we put in place is failing to yield the needed results and outcomes," Bosu said. He emphasized the urgent need for the government to prioritize the protection of key national assets, particularly forest reserves and river bodies, to win the fight against illegal mining.
Bosu warned against selective enforcement, stressing that jail terms should be meted out fairly and consistently. Reflecting on the helicopter crash, he described the anniversary as a "sad day," lamenting that Ghanaians' tributes have not been matched by meaningful action against illegal mining. He pointed out that illegal mining continues almost unchecked in many communities, citing a recent visit to Dunkwa where illegal mining equipment was operational near a police station.
Bosu also highlighted the alarming deterioration of major rivers such as the Ankobra, Birim, Offin, and Tano, attributing the pollution to illegal mining activities. He warned that the continued destruction of these water bodies is exacerbating the country's challenges in accessing safe drinking water. Despite the increased military deployment, Bosu argued that these efforts have not yielded the environmental improvements hoped for.
He criticized the weak law enforcement, alleging that illegal mining activities are taking place openly without any corresponding police action. Bosu warned that illegal miners are expanding into previously untouched areas, causing even greater environmental devastation.
Written by urgent.news from MyJoyOnline Ghana's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
