One year after the tragic incident, what lessons has the country learnt in the quest to mitigate against illegal mining that continues to ravage natural resources? The memory of those who perished continues to inspire solemn reflection on the national fight against illegal mining. The Departed 8 were on a national assignment in a renewed fight to eradicate illegal mining through the Responsible Community Mining and Skills Development Programme. While the government touts its achievements in the Galamsey fight, many rivers snaking through the country remain dirty and forest reserves dotted with open pits. Across Ghana, in the Western, Western North, Ashanti, Central, Eastern Bono and Ahafo regions, illegal mining is eating life away from the lands, water bodies and other natural resources.