“We’re Concerned About Criminals’ Livelihoods, Not Farmers’” — Awula Serwah Speaks on Galamsey

The fight against illegal mining in Ghana has once again come into focus following a strong statement attributed to Awula Serwah, the Executive Director of Eco-Conscious Citizens. Her reported comments have drawn attention to a difficult question facing the country: should the livelihoods of people involved in illegal mining be used as a reason to allow an activity that threatens water bodies, farmlands and the environment?

According to a report by Starr FM published on Saturday, October 10, 2026, the environmental campaigner made the statement under the headline, “‘We’re concerned about criminals’ livelihoods, not farmers’ – Awula Serwah on galamsey fight.” The headline reflects a firm position on the need to address illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey, and its effects on communities across Ghana.

However, the available report provides little detail about the full discussion in which the statement was made. It does not identify the specific people or groups being addressed, so the comment should be understood within the wider debate over illegal mining rather than as a confirmed response to a particular individual.

Galamsey remains a major environmental concern in Ghana. Illegal mining can destroy farmland, damage forests and pollute rivers when mining activities are carried out without proper controls. Communities that depend on farming and clean water can face serious difficulties when their land and water sources are affected.

For farmers, the damage can go beyond losing crops. When fertile land is destroyed or water becomes unsafe, families may struggle to earn a living, feed their households and continue their work. These concerns have made the fight against illegal mining an important public issue.

At the same time, the debate is not always simple. Some people depend on small-scale mining for income, particularly in areas where jobs are limited. Any serious effort to stop illegal mining must therefore consider how to enforce the law while helping affected communities find other ways to earn a living.

That does not mean illegal activities should be allowed to continue. Instead, it raises questions about whether authorities are doing enough to punish those responsible for environmental destruction, protect farming communities and provide realistic alternatives for people who may otherwise turn to illegal mining.

Awula Serwah’s reported remarks bring this conflict into sharp focus. They challenge the idea that concerns about income should overshadow the damage suffered by farmers and other people whose livelihoods depend on healthy land and clean water.

The bigger test for Ghana is whether its leaders can turn strong statements into lasting action. Arrests and public promises alone will not solve the problem if illegal mining continues to damage rivers and farmland.

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