According to Prof Kwesi Aning, a leading Security Specialist and Consultant, Ghana’s illegal mining crisis has morphed into a complex, internationally connected organized crime syndicate.
Prof Aning pointed out that the significant participation of foreign nationals in illegal mining has led to catastrophic environmental harm and widespread social dislocation.
He clarified that the galamsey menace is posing a significant threat to Ghana’s aquatic ecosystem, with its rivers bearing the brunt of the environmental destruction caused by these illicit mining activities.
He warned that the consequences of inaction would be catastrophic, leading to the permanent destruction of these essential resources if urgent measures are not implemented.
“This has moved beyond ordinary citizens, we are talking about levels of collusion, standing every single facet of the state. Organized transnational criminality of citizens from different countries whose activities, not only in galamsey, are posing an existential threat to Ghana”.
“[This is] raising tension between Ghana and La Cote d’Ivoire but even more disturbing is that the money that is accrued from this activity is placing our international reputation at risk because it contributes to illicit financial flows and the funding of violent activities elsewhere”.
Prof Kwesi Aning
Prof. Aning further noted that this situation highlights significant shortcomings in the nation’s ability to assess and mitigate risks associated with such activities, prompting essential questions about the adequacy of these processes.
He pointed out that the country’s methods for data collection, analysis, and evidence-based decision-making are flawed and require urgent attention.
The Security Consultant expressed dismay over the deplorable condition of the Pra River, which has been suffering from rampant pollution for two decades, with the situation deteriorating alarmingly with each passing year.
Prof Aning suggested that Ghana’s leaders are either complicit, incompetent, or indifferent, failing to harness their authority to address the galamsey menace and secure a sustainable future for generations to come.
“[They] deliberately allow foreign actors to exploit our resources, [which] is not only shameful but a disgrace.” – Prof. Kwesi Aning
Leaders’ Complicity In Galamsey Denounced
Furthermore, Prof. Kwesi Aning pointed out that the complicity of Ghanaian leaders has facilitated the participation of Chinese nationals in illegal mining activities, as exemplified by the notorious Aiysha Huang case.
Prof. Aning denounced the mishandling of the Aiysha Huang case, pointing out that the lack of clarity on her true intentions and activities spells trouble for the country.
“We are the only country in this world [and] history that is not at war but has voluntarily destroyed our water bodies. You destroy your water bodies, as we have, during a war to prevent the enemy from pursuing you or getting access to water”.
“Except right now we’ve flipped the conversation. I like the statement of the Chinese Ambassador from years ago, stop talking about China because we give them the visa to come to this country”.
Prof Kwesi Aning
He criticized the government for not delivering on its duties, despite being paid through taxpayers’ hard-earned money, highlighting the necessity for self-examination and improvement.
Prof. Aning bemoaned the fact that galamsey operators employ destructive techniques to extract gold, abandoning the devastated sites without any consideration for the environmental and social damage inflicted.
He pointed out that the Ghanaian stake in galamsey investments is disproportionately low compared to the significant involvement of foreign entities, which is alarming given the devastating impact on the country’s water resources and land.
According to the Security Consultant, galamsey poses a profound and persistent threat to Ghana’s very existence directly or indirectly.
He noted that this illicit mining activity not only imperils the nation’s environmental and economic well-being but also jeopardizes its social fabric.
He noted that galamsey directly ravages the environment, causing pollution of water bodies, deforestation, and soil degradation, and indirectly undermines economic development, fuels organized crime, and perpetuates corruption.
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