A year after the August 6 helicopter crash that claimed the lives of eight people, including two ministers, environmental advocacy group A-Rocha Ghana says Ghana has lost momentum in the fight against illegal mining, aka galamsey.
Momentum Lost in Galamsey Fight
Deputy National Director of A-Rocha Ghana, Daryl Bosu, says the initial public resolve following the tragedy has faded, leaving the country in a worse position.
Speaking on Joy News’ PM Express on Wednesday, Mr Bosu said there were high expectations that the tragedy would trigger stronger action against illegal mining.
Fading Resolve
He said the period immediately after the crash created a rare sense of urgency around the galamsey fight. "We started well, and then when the incident happened, we all kind of like got all this sudden momentum, built this sudden momentum. Everybody was rallying behind the goal, and then somehow we lost track," Mr Bosu said.
Deterioration and Hopelessness
According to Mr Bosu, the country subsequently took its eyes off the problem, allowing the situation to deteriorate. "We took our eyes off the ball, and everything went back towards the wall, if not worse," he said. His recent assessment of illegal mining activities on the ground had deepened his concerns, leaving him with a sense of hopelessness. "But I mean, the way we said, and from being on the ground just last week and seeing what is happening, I had no choice but to say we are at a point of hopelessness," Mr Bosu said.
Ghana's Environmental Crisis
His comments come as concerns over the environmental damage caused by illegal mining continue to dominate public debate, particularly over the destruction of water bodies, forest reserves and farmlands. The expectation was that authorities would maintain the gains made after the tragedy and, where possible, reduce the risks associated with illegal mining. However, Mr Bosu says Ghana is now worse off a year after the helicopter crash. "Yes!" he said when asked if Ghana was worse off.
A Call to Action
For A-Rocha Ghana, the challenge is no longer only about sustaining the momentum created after the August 6 tragedy, but about restoring the leadership and urgency it believes have been lost in the fight. The organization is calling on authorities to take decisive action against illegal mining, which it says is causing irreparable damage to the environment. The fight against galamsey is not just a local issue, but a national one that requires a collective effort to address the crisis.
Source: Joy Online
