Galamsey: Govt’s justification for deporting foreigners lame – Awula Serwah

Awula Serwah, the Coordinator for Eco-Conscious Citizens, criticized the government's plan to deport foreign nationals involved in illegal mining. This practice is commonly known as galamsey.

Speaking on Channel One TV's "The Big Issue," Serwah called the government's reasoning a "lame excuse." She argued that if someone threatens Ghanaians' safety, they should be prosecuted, not just deported.

Serwah supported the "polluter pays" principle. This means offenders should face prosecution and pay for environmental damage. She stated that guilty parties should have their assets sold to fund cleanup efforts.

"It is a very lame excuse," she said. "If someone poisons you, deporting them isn't enough."

She emphasized the need to send a strong message against harming Ghanaians. It’s unfair to prosecute only Ghanaians while letting foreigners go free.