Coordinator of Eco-Conscious Citizens, Awula Serwaa, has questioned what she describes as a shift in urgency by the governing National Democratic Congress on the fight against illegal mining (galamsey), urging stronger and more immediate action to address its environmental and health impacts.
Speaking on Channel One TV’s The Big Issue, she contrasted earlier remarks made by senior NDC figures while in opposition with the party’s current framing of the issue in government.
“When this government was in opposition, we had high-ranking members like Sam George saying that the President was the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces and so if he wanted to end galamsey, he could do so in four weeks. Now we are being told that it is a marathon, not a sprint. I am not sure what has changed,” she said.
She argued that the difference in messaging reflects a broader inconsistency in how urgently the issue is being treated before and after assuming power.
“All I will say is that what was important to the current administration has been done. E-Levy, which was not causing an existential threat, was removed; betting tax, which was not killing anybody, has been removed. But what is causing a threat to life… we know kidney disease has gone up four-fold according to Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital,” she stated.
While acknowledging that the government has introduced some measures, Awula Serwaa said the key question is their impact.
“I am not saying measures have not been taken. That will be ungracious. Yes, measures are being taken, but what are the effects?” she questioned.
She also reiterated calls for urgent interventions, including a state of emergency in affected mining areas and accountability for political individuals linked to illegal mining, to demonstrate stronger political will.
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