Galamsey: Foreigners must be punished before deportation – A Rocha Ghana

A Rocha Ghana has urged the government to hold foreign nationals accountable for illegal mining, known as galamsey. They want these individuals to face legal consequences before deportation.

Currently, the government deports foreigners caught in galamsey immediately. Daryl Bosu, Deputy Director of A Rocha Ghana, criticized this practice during an interview on Citi FM's Eyewitness News on April 10. He expressed concerns about double standards in how foreign and local offenders are treated.

Bosu argued that leniency towards foreign nationals undermines efforts against galamsey. It also sends a negative message about accountability. He stressed the importance of enforcing penalties for all offenders, regardless of nationality.

Bosu stated, “It is not a solution. The only solution is to make them face the full rigours of the law.” He added that they should serve their sentences before being released. He questioned why Ghanaians in prison are not given similar consideration.