Deportation without trial encourages environmental crime — Awula Serwah warns

Awula Serwah, the Coordinator of Eco-Conscious Citizens, criticized the government’s deportation policy. She believes it is wrong to deport foreign nationals involved in illegal mining without prosecution.

The government has chosen to deport these individuals instead of prosecuting them. This practice is commonly associated with illegal mining, known as galamsey.

Deputy Interior Minister Ebenezer Terlarbi acknowledged that Ghana's justice system is overwhelmed. He stated that this limits the government's ability to prosecute foreign nationals involved in illegal mining.

In an interview on Joy FM's Middaynews, Madam Serwah called this approach unjust and ineffective. She warned that it sends a dangerous message about environmental crime in Ghana.

She argued that allowing foreigners to destroy forests and pollute water bodies without consequences rewards criminal behavior.

"The law is the law," she said. "It’s astonishing that we send them home without trial while Ghanaians face jail time."

Madam Serwah described this double standard as discriminatory and counterproductive. It fails to deter others from engaging in illegal mining activities.

"If we recognize illegal mining as a threat, justice must be equal," she added. Deporting offenders without prosecution does not serve justice; it encourages more illegal activities.

She suggested innovative solutions if prisons are full, such as temporary holding facilities.

Madam Serwah referenced the Aisha Huang case, noting that deportation did not stop her from returning to Ghana and continuing her illegal activities.

"There’s no guarantee that deportation solves the problem," she said. "We need to prosecute and sentence offenders rather than just sending them home."