Awula Serwaa Calls for Targeted State of Emergency to Stop Illegal Mining in Ghana

Awula Serwaa, Executive Director of Eco-Conscious Citizens, has called on the government to declare a targeted state of emergency in areas severely affected by illegal mining, insisting that the time for lamenting the destruction caused by galamsey is over and that decisive action is needed to address the problem.

Speaking on Joy FM’s Super Morning Show, Serwaa urged authorities to move beyond repeated expressions of concern and implement stronger measures to stop illegal mining activities that continue to threaten Ghana’s rivers, forests and other natural resources.

Her call highlights growing concerns about the environmental consequences of galamsey and the need for a more decisive approach to protecting the country’s natural resources.

According to Serwaa, the continued destruction of water bodies and the environment requires urgent intervention rather than prolonged discussions about the seriousness of the problem.

Her proposal for a targeted state of emergency suggests that the government should concentrate extraordinary attention and resources on areas where illegal mining has caused significant environmental damage.

Unlike a nationwide declaration, a targeted approach could focus on specific communities, river basins and forest reserves identified as particularly vulnerable to illegal mining activities.

Such an intervention could strengthen enforcement operations, improve monitoring and support coordinated efforts among security agencies and environmental authorities to prevent illegal miners from operating in protected areas.

Galamsey has remained a major environmental concern in Ghana because of its impact on water quality, agricultural land and forest cover. Mining activities conducted without proper authorisation can introduce sediment and harmful substances into rivers, making water treatment more difficult and threatening communities that depend on these water sources.

The destruction of forests and farmlands also creates challenges for agriculture, biodiversity and the livelihoods of people living in affected communities.

Serwaa’s remarks reflect concerns that existing interventions must produce more sustainable results if the country is to reverse the damage caused by illegal mining.

Her statement that the time for lamentations is over places emphasis on the need for practical action, effective enforcement and a clear commitment to protecting the environment.

However, declaring a state of emergency would require careful consideration of its legal basis, geographical scope and implementation. Authorities would also need to establish clear objectives and safeguards to ensure that any extraordinary measures are lawful, proportionate and effective.

In addition to enforcement, addressing illegal mining requires cooperation among government agencies, traditional leaders, local authorities and residents of affected communities.

Providing alternative livelihood opportunities, improving the regulation of mining activities and ensuring that offenders face appropriate legal consequences could also contribute to reducing the problem.

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