Ghanaians have lost the will to fight 'galamsey' – Barker-Vormawor laments

Oliver Barker-Vormawor, a Constitutional Rights and Policy Strategy Advisor at Democracy Hub, is urging citizens to increase pressure on the government. He wants action regarding the illegal mining crisis, known as galamsey.

On JoyNews’ Newsfile programme on April 26, he called for voices from mining-affected areas. Mr. Barker-Vormawor believes that public pressure can influence government urgency.

He stated, “More people should come into the streets.” He emphasized that those in galamsey areas must demand attention from the government.

Mr. Barker-Vormawor noted that civic demand could raise the state of emergency's urgency. However, he remains cautious about declaring a state of emergency without clear definitions.

He expressed concerns about using violence to address illegal mining issues. “A shoot-and-kill approach is not acceptable,” he warned. He believes human life matters and cautioned against such rhetoric.

A well-structured plan could clarify the government's intentions, he said. It would help define necessary parameters and due process involved in addressing galamsey.

Mr. Barker-Vormawor criticized the government's lack of clarity on this issue. He mentioned a statement by Mustapha Gbande about investor concerns but questioned its validity.

“What is the government’s position?” he asked. “Why does it believe a state of emergency won’t help?” This question remains unanswered.

Reflecting on his recent visit to affected communities, he described their emotional struggles. His law firm collaborates with organizations like A Rocha Ghana to empower local agents.

“The level of despondency in those communities is huge,” he revealed. People feel powerless because they believe the government isn’t investing in solutions.

“Our chiefs are complicit,” he added. Speaking out leads to isolation, causing many to lose hope in fighting back.

He also questioned if the government understands the problem's scale. “Is this terrorism? Is this how we fight it?” he asked, referencing ministerial language about threats resembling Boko Haram.

Mr. Barker-Vormawor concluded by calling for national unity across political lines. He urged everyone—political parties, mothers, and community members—to confront the government together.

“We must keep pressure high,” he insisted. “This should be an issue where Ghanaians unite and say: we will not allow this to happen.”