Environmental civil society organization, A Rocha Ghana, has expressed grave concern that the fight against illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, is already failing under the new government.

The Deputy National Director of A Rocha Ghana, Daryl Bosu, warned that unless citizens rise to demand accountability and real action, the country risks enduring another four years of failed efforts to curb environmental degradation.

Speaking at a high-level multi-stakeholder dialogue in Kumasi on the worsening environmental crisis, Mr Bosu criticised the government’s approach as ineffective, repetitive, and laden with excuses.

"We had a previous government do their best, but we know that their best amounted to nothing. This new government has taken over, and we can already see that we are on the same path to failure. If we, the citizens, do not step up and support this campaign, we are only going to witness another four years of wasted effort," he said.

Mr Bosu cited the previous administration's campaigns — Galamstop, Operation Vanguard, and Operation Halt — as examples of initiatives that produced little to no sustainable results. He argued that the current government's early steps indicate a worrying trend of recycling failed strategies rather than introducing innovative, decisive measures.

"This new government came with the intention to reset, but looking at how they have started, it is not going well, and what is left is for them to give excuses upon excuses.”

He also condemned the government's plan to deport foreign nationals caught engaging in illegal mining without prosecuting them — a move he described as unjust and counterproductive.

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"It is unfair that Ghanaian nationals are prosecuted for engaging in illegal mining, while foreign offenders are simply deported — often with their illicit gains. This practice not only undermines justice but fails to serve as a deterrent."

A Rocha Ghana is calling for a comprehensive review of the government’s anti-galamsey strategy, urging a shift towards transparent enforcement, equal application of the law, and citizen-driven environmental advocacy.