Eco-Conscious Citizens Coordinator Awula Serwah has criticized the government’s plan to deport foreign nationals involved in illegal mining, known as galamsey, without prosecution. Speaking on Channel One TV’s ‘The Big Issue’, Serwah described the government’s reason for deportation as a “lame excuse”.
“It is a very lame excuse. We say that we face an existential threat. If somebody comes and is poisoning you, the best you can do is deport the person, and then, when it comes to Ghanaians, Africans, you’re going to prosecute them?” Serwah questioned.
She emphasized that those engaging in activities posing an existential threat to Ghanaians should be prosecuted, not just deported. Serwah advocated for the “polluter pays” principle, where offenders are prosecuted, found guilty, and their assets are used toward cleaning up environmental damage.
“You have to send a strong message that you cannot come and poison us and go scot-free. We are even talking about the ‘polluter pays’ principle. After you have been prosecuted and found guilty, your assets should be sold and used toward the cost of cleaning up,” she stressed.
