Deputy Director of A Rocha Ghana, Daryl Bosu, has cast doubt on the government’s claims of progress in the fight against illegal mining, arguing that official accounts do not reflect the harsh realities faced by communities on the ground.
Speaking after a stakeholder meeting between President John Dramani Mahama and civil society organisations in Accra on Friday, October 3, Bosu told Citi Eyewitness News that the situation in mining-affected areas is far worse than what was presented during the engagement.
“If you really are going to be very truthful and face the fact.
“If you go to the communities and hear the stories of frustrations, the stories of intimidations from illegal miners, whatever we heard on the screens or saw on the screens today is not a true reflection of the sentiment of the people who are feeling the brunt of the illegal mess,” he said.
Bosu highlighted the continued environmental damage and human suffering caused by illegal mining, also known as galamsey, stressing that the government’s narrative does not align with the lived experiences of affected communities.
“The water pollution in communities, the shutdown of water treatment facilities and all of that is not representative of what we heard today.
“So whatever the government says it is doing, it is about time we see it reflect in the true state of affairs on the ground,” he stated.
