The Coordinator of Eco-Conscious Citizens, Awula Serwaa, has expressed disappointment over the government’s failure to prioritize the fight against illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey, in the 2025 budget.
Speaking to ABC News GH after the budget presentation in Parliament, she criticized the lack of concrete measures to address the devastation caused by illegal mining on Ghana’s economy, environment, and food security.
“Our focus is not in the right direction,” she lamented, adding that the destruction of cocoa farms by illegal miners was a significant contributor to the decline of the cocoa industry, not just smuggling.
She warned that “the landscape has become polluted, and very soon, if we don’t take care, our cocoa is going to be rejected, which will affect our economy.”
Madam Serwaa argued that illegal mining is an existential threat that requires urgent and decisive action. She criticized the government’s lack of commitment, emphasizing that “I don’t see that in our budget read today.”
She further noted her disappointment that there was no mention of resources being allocated to military operations in galamsey hotspots or a temporary halt to small-scale mining.
In addition, the environmental activist called for the establishment of special courts to expedite cases related to illegal mining, emphasizing that the government must take the issue more seriously.
“I am just disappointed that I did not hear anything that will encourage us that finally, the war against environmental terrorism is being taken seriously,” she stated.
Madam Serwaa also reiterated Eco-Conscious Citizens’ advocacy for the repeal of Legislative Instrument (L.I.) 2462, which permits mining in forest reserves, arguing that the irreversible environmental damage outweighs any economic benefits.
