Deputy National Director of environmental advocacy group A Rocha Ghana, Daryl Bosu, has strongly opposed calls for the suspension of anti-illegal mining operations, warning that such a move would reverse years of progress in protecting Ghana’s environment.
His comments come in response to a call by the National Organiser of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Joseph Yamin, who last week urged President John Dramani Mahama to halt anti-illegal mining exercises. Yamin cited alleged extortion and misconduct by some task forces as the basis for his appeal, which he made at Bonteso in the Amansei West District of the Ashanti Region on Thursday, August 21.
Yamin argued that the Military and Police should take charge of combating illegal mining, but accused some task forces of exploiting the campaign for personal gain rather than tackling the real issues.
Speaking on Citi Eyewitness News on Monday, August 25, Mr. Bosu cautioned that halting operations would embolden illegal miners and worsen the destruction of forests and water bodies.
“Suspending the campaign sends the wrong message,” he stressed. “Government must instead put its house in order. The fight cannot be won if the frontline forces are divided and confusion persists. This is not a progressive call.”
Mr. Bosu urged authorities to address internal weaknesses and ensure professionalism and coordination within anti-mining task forces, rather than abandoning the fight altogether.
