Eco-Concious Citizens’ Executive Director, Awula Serwaa, has called on Ghanaians to channel their anger into demanding action from political leaders ahead of the 2024 elections.
Serwaa insists that the political will to tackle the destructive effects of illegal mining is lacking and that citizens must hold leaders accountable.
“Ghanaians need to be angry enough to force the leadership to commit, or anybody wanting to come to power to commit to solving these issues, or then not bother to come at all,” she declared.
Serwaa also criticized Legislative Instrument 2462, which allows mining in forest reserves.
During an interview with ABC Midday News, she emphasized the severe consequences of the law, stating, “We are supposed to be protecting our forest reserves. And what L.I 2462 does is that it allows mining in forest reserves and where still globally significant bio-diversity areas.”
Serwaa highlighted the environmental and health impacts, including increased cases of kidney disease, neurological disorders, and maternal deaths linked to irresponsible mining practices.
Prof. Seth Asiamah, a Land Economist, echoed similar concerns, condemning L.I 2462 as an “affront to the preservation of the country’s forest reserve.”
Asiamah, who spoke on ABC In the Morning, dismissed calls for a review and insisted on the immediate removal of the law.
“We must take it (L.I 2462) off immediately. Just take it off, because it is inimical to the growth of this country,” he asserted.
He also called for accountability for those involved in illegal mining, including high-ranking chiefs, citing recent severe water contamination in River Pra.
Serwaa warned that the destruction of Ghana’s forests not only threatens local communities but also the nation’s overall well-being, stressing, “When the last tree dies, the last man dies. The forests are our lungs. Mining is not the only economic activity left in Ghana.”
