The Mahama-led administration is facing scathing criticism from A Rocha Ghana, a prominent environmental group, for its perceived ineptitude in tackling the galamsey menace.
Daryl Bosu, Deputy Director of A Rocha Ghana, lambasted the government’s efforts, citing a lack of clarity and effectiveness in their strategies.
Bosu pointed to the transitional period after former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia conceded defeat as a critical window during which illegal miners capitalized on the power vacuum.
He noted that political elites and law enforcement appeared disengaged, allowing galamsey operators to invade and exploit vulnerable areas.
The situation has since worsened, with no meaningful progress made in combating the galamsey menace. Bosu expressed disappointment with the current government, accusing it of failing to live up to its past advocacy on forest protection and strong criticism of the previous administration.
“Everybody was on the previous administration that the government must do better than they were doing already. But all of a sudden, it appears they are clueless,” Bosu said.
“They don’t know what to do, and if you listen to some of their strategies, you ask yourself, did they really have a strategy before they assumed office? I’m sad to say that if you go to the ground, they tell you it has gotten worse, and they don’t see any reprieve in the short term.”
This criticism comes as A Rocha Ghana, along with six other civil society organizations, plans to sue the government over galamsey activities in forest reserves. The groups are concerned about the devastating impact of illegal mining on Ghana’s environment and communities.
