Ghana's Galamsey Fight Stalls Despite Helicopter Crash

• Ghana's fight against illegal mining has lost momentum despite strong public resolve following last year's helicopter crash.
• The country had initially made significant progress in tackling galamsey, but this momentum was short-lived and the situation has since deteriorated.
• A-Rocha Ghana expresses concern that authorities and stakeholders have failed to capitalize on the momentum generated after the August 6 tragedy.
• Ghana is worse off a year after the renewed national push against galamsey, according to Deputy National Director of A-Rocha Ghana, Daryl Bosu.

However, Mr. Bosu notes that the country had hoped to establish a baseline for the fight against illegal mining but has instead seen a decline in progress.

A-Rocha Ghana, an environmental group, has expressed concern that the country's efforts to combat illegal mining have lost momentum. The organization points out that despite the strong public resolve following last year's helicopter crash, which claimed eight lives, including senior government and military officials, the fight against galamsey has stalled. According to Deputy National Director of A-Rocha Ghana, Daryl Bosu, the country had initially made significant progress in tackling illegal mining and its environmental impact. However, this momentum was short-lived, and the situation has since deteriorated.

The helicopter crash on August 6 last year created an opportunity for Ghana to intensify its efforts against galamsey. However, authorities and stakeholders failed to capitalize on this momentum, allowing the situation to worsen. Mr. Bosu notes that the country had hoped to establish a baseline for the fight against illegal mining but has instead seen a decline in progress. He attributes this failure to the lack of sustained leadership and attention to the issue.

The current situation is particularly concerning, as environmental campaigners had hoped to reduce the risks posed by illegal mining. However, Mr. Bosu's recent observations on the ground have deepened his concerns. He notes that the country's failure to sustain the momentum generated after the August 6 tragedy raises serious questions about the direction of the fight against galamsey. In fact, he bluntly states that Ghana is worse off a year after the renewed national push against galamsey.

Lawyers and compliance officers should be aware that the lack of momentum in Ghana's fight against illegal mining may indicate a higher risk of non-compliance with environmental regulations, and should advise clients to review their operations for potential exposure.

Source: Original reporting via Myjoyonline.com