The Deputy Director of A Rocha Ghana, Daryl Bosu, has expressed skepticism about the government’s progress in combating illegal mining, stating that it doesn’t reflect the harsh realities faced by affected communities.
Speaking after a stakeholder meeting between President John Dramani Mahama and civil society organisations in Accra Friday, October 3, 2025, Mr. Bosu noted that the frustrations and suffering of people in mining-affected areas were far worse than what was presented during the engagement.
“If you really are going to be truthful and face the fact, 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.
He highlighted that pollution of water bodies, shutdown of water treatment facilities, and ongoing intimidation by illegal miners continue to impact communities, yet these issues were not adequately captured during the discussions.
“The water pollution in communities, the shutdown of water treatment facilities and all of that is not representative of what we heard today,” Mr. Bosu added. “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.”
The stakeholder meeting was part of broader national efforts to engage civil society and environmental groups in shaping policy and accountability mechanisms around illegal mining.
Story By: Anne-Marie Deedei Ayerson
