It is highly unfortunate that President Nana Akufo-Addo and the Ministry of Defense have failed Ghanaians in the fight against illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey. The role of the Ghanaian military in safeguarding our environment—by sea, air, and land—has been compromised by political elites throughout various administrations.
This sentiment was expressed by Hon. Peter Lanchene Toobu, Member of Parliament for Wa West, during the Adekye Mu Nsem morning show on Ahotor 92.3 FM, hosted by Citizen Kofi Owusu in Accra. He emphasized the need for the country to manage its natural resources responsibly and in accordance with the law, without violating civil rights in the pursuit of gold. Despite the economic challenges and poverty that could incentivize illegal activities, Toobu stressed that the law must be enforced to protect Ghana’s natural resources.
In another development, Dr. Ing. Kenneth Ashigbey, Convenor of the Media Coalition Against Galamsey, has challenged Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), to implement his policy plan to combat illegal mining before the 2024 general elections. Dr. Ashigbey pointed out that Ghanaians cannot afford to wait until after the elections for the policies in the manifestos of both the NPP and the National Democratic Congress to be enacted.
Dr. Ashigbey highlighted the severe consequences Ghana faces if galamsey is not curbed. His comments come in response to an announcement by Ghana Water Limited (GWL) regarding impending water shortages in Cape Coast, Elmina, and surrounding communities in the Central Region due to galamsey activities.
GWL stated on August 30 that pollution in the catchment area has significantly reduced water intake, with approximately 60% of the catchment capacity silted by galamsey operations. The Sekyere Hemang Water Treatment Plant has been particularly affected by a substantial gap between water demand and supply, caused by pollution of the Pra River.
In an interview in Accra, Dr. Ashigbey stressed the urgency for politicians to acknowledge and address the galamsey crisis effectively. He criticized those involved in illegal mining, noting that companies such as Akonta Mining and Heritage Imperial have avoided accountability despite numerous petitions. According to Dr. Ashigbey, some politicians have benefitted from mining activities at the expense of the general public.
He warned that if leaders fail to address the issue, nature may retaliate, potentially causing severe consequences such as droughts.
