By Belinda Nketia
Despite ongoing efforts to curb illegal mining (galamsey) in Ghana, new evidence has emerged suggesting that the practice is still ongoing.
Award winning Journalist, Erastus Asare Donkor recently posted a photo on social media, with a caption stating that “as we speak, three groups sanctioned by elements in the new government are inside the Tano Anwia forest reserve mining illegally further degrading the forest. This impunity must not be allowed to fester!!!” This post has sparked outrage and fuelled calls for renewed action.
Erastus’ post, further amplified by activist Oliver Barker-Vormawo, on the X platform was used to announce that he is planning a “StopGalamsey” demonstration on March 6th. Barker-Vormawor’s post stated that despite his arrest nearly five months ago for protesting against galamsey, the problem is far from resolved. He contends that the continued destruction of the Tano Anwia forest demands a return to the streets.
Barker-Vormawor’s tweet directly linked the ongoing illegal mining to the previous administration, stating, “These are people who are more likely than not operating with some of the over 2000 licenses issued by the former Regime.” He further emphasized that “these licenses must be revoked,” arguing that the approach to irresponsible mining “cannot include allowing people to do ‘legally’ the exact things they did ‘illegally.'” He has since announced that notice for the demonstration on 6th March has been served.
The impending demonstration on March 6th, called by Oliver Barker-Vormawor, is likely to draw significant attention and spark renewed public debate on the issue of galamsey and the steps that must be taken to protect Ghana’s natural resources.
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