In a scathing critique of the government and political elite, National Democratic Congress (NDC) activist Dela Coffie has raised fresh concerns over Ghana’s worsening illegal mining (galamsey) crisis, describing it as a “clear and present danger” that threatens the future of the country.
The seasoned political activist’s remarks, shared in a recent statement, emphasized the government’s lack of decisive action against the menace, casting doubt on its willingness or ability to address the environmental devastation and human rights violations caused by galamsey.
“Yes, it does appear the political elite and the government don’t have any answers to tackle this overwhelming and inescapable clear and present danger. If they did, they would be taking action by now”.
Dela Coffie, NDC Activist
Dela Coffie began by condemning the government’s inability to mount an effective response to the galamsey scourge, a problem that he claimed has led to the destruction of water bodies, widespread deforestation, and severe pollution.
He asserted that the current administration has continually lived in denial about the extent of the problem, pushing the narrative that a solution is out of reach.
According to Coffie, this inaction has left citizens grappling with the grim reality of unchecked galamsey activities, while the political class appears content to downplay the issue.
“They want us to believe there’s no chance of success in the fight against galamsey,” he said, adding that such pessimism is not only irresponsible but also a form of surrender to a worsening crisis.
The Role of the Media: A Beacon of Hope
Despite the government’s failings, Dela Coffie commended the Ghanaian media for their unrelenting coverage of the galamsey catastrophe.
He highlighted the critical role the press has played in exposing the debilitating effects of illegal mining, often at great risk to journalists.
“I find the resilience of the media most encouraging and even a little awe-inspiring,” Dela Coffie remarked, noting that the media’s persistence has demonstrated how collective societal effort can shine a light on seemingly insurmountable problems.
He called upon the broader society to follow the media’s lead by supporting organized labour movements and other civil society groups in their planned public demonstrations against galamsey.
In Dela Coffie’s view, this collective action could force the government to confront the realities of environmental destruction and bring about much-needed policy interventions.
Galamsey as a Human Rights Issue
The National Democratic Congress Activist also framed the galamsey crisis as a critical human rights issue, emphasizing that the most vulnerable in society are the hardest hit by its destructive effects.
He argued that communities near illegal mining sites are suffering from polluted water sources, diminished agricultural productivity, and severe health risks, including respiratory diseases and waterborne illnesses. The activist warned that these impacts will only worsen if immediate action is not taken.
He painted a grim picture of the long-term consequences for future generations, particularly those born today who will have to contend with the full impact of environmental degradation in the coming decades.
“It should be common sense to everyone that if nothing is done now, galamsey and its related activities are expected to quadruple in the next couple of years. And for every additional degree of destruction, we might be dealing with 16 times as much devastation from galamsey as we are today”.
Dela Coffie, NDC Activist
A Call for Pragmatic and Decisive Action
Dela Coffie, in a passionate call to action, called for an end to “empty promises” and “half-hearted measures“, warning that unless the government takes aggressive steps to stop galamsey, the entire nation could soon become unlivable.
He stressed that while the current situation appears dire, there is still hope for a best-case scenario—one where the government, civil society, and the public work together to halt the galamsey menace before it reaches irreversible levels of destruction.
A Future at Risk: Galamsey’s Intergenerational Consequences
Looking ahead, Dela Coffie urged the leaders of the country, particularly the current government to think about the long-term consequences of failing to address galamsey.
He envisioned a future where children born today will look back on this era with bitterness, cursing the current generation for the devastation of the country’s natural resources.
In closing, Dela Coffie stressed that the time to act is now before the damage becomes irreparable, pledging his continued advocacy for change.
His impassioned call to action highlights the urgency of the galamsey crisis and the need for a unified national response.
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