Ace Anan Ankomah, the Convener of Occupy Ghana, has bluntly stated that Ghana has lost the battle against illegal mining, also known as galamsey. In a recent interview on Channel One TV, Mr. Ankomah expressed his frustration over the government’s failure to act decisively and effectively on the issue, despite numerous warnings and promises.
He emphasized that the lack of strict enforcement of mining regulations has allowed illegal mining to thrive, leading to severe environmental damage, particularly to water bodies and forest reserves. Mr. Ankomah criticized the government’s reactive approach and called for a more comprehensive and targeted strategy to combat the problem.
He further urged civil society and the public to remain vigilant in advocating for responsible mining practices. According to Mr. Ankomah, unless the networks supporting illegal mining are dismantled, the country’s natural resources and public health will continue to suffer. He remarked, “We have lost it, but we can still fix it if we act now.”