Dr. Papa Kwesi Nduom, the founder and leader of the Progressive People’s Party (PPP), has called for an immediate and urgent halt to galamsey activities, which have become a significant environmental and social issue in the country.
He expressed concern that the ruling government has not taken adequate action to combat this menace, attributing this inaction to partisan interests and political considerations that overshadow the urgent need for effective solutions.
Nduom emphasized that the government must prioritize the welfare of the nation over political affiliations to effectively address the challenges posed by illegal mining.
“We have placed politics above our human lives and our environment. Politicians are afraid to say stop galamsey, stop mining in the protected forests that we have, stop mining in our water bodies, stop degrading our lands. It is because of politics, and it is because people are afraid to lose votes”.
Dr. Papa Kwesi Nduom
The astute politician further accused the government of intentionally neglecting to address the issue of illegal mining, asserting, “It’s not that the government doesn’t know what to do; they are fully aware of the right actions to take.
According to Nduom, everyone at the seat of government, the Jubilee House, understands what needs to be done to combat this menace effectively.
He noted that, however, with an election approaching, the government is reluctant to make any decisions that might alienate potential voters or stir public discontent.
Nduom emphasized that this reluctance to act is a grave disservice to the nation, as it allows illegal mining activities to continue unchecked.
He noted that this could lead to significant environmental degradation and loss of livelihoods for communities affected by such practices.
He urged the government to prioritize the welfare of citizens over political expediency, warning that failing to confront this issue could have long-term consequences for the country’s natural resources and economic stability.
Illegal Miners Condemned for Damage
Furthermore, Dr. Papa Kwesi Nduom strongly denounced the actions of illegal miners, highlighting the detrimental impact their activities have on both the environment and the nation’s economy.
He asserted that if the extraction of the country’s underground minerals does not yield tangible benefits for Ghana and its citizens, there is no justification for exploiting these valuable resources.
Nduom emphasized the importance of prioritizing the welfare of the nation over short-term gains.
“So those doing the wrong thing, let’s stop them, and let’s put an end to this political issue surrounding galamsey and move forward to make this country great and strong”.
Dr. Papa Kwesi Nduom
Accordingly, the PPP leader called for a comprehensive approach that includes the establishment of adequate regulatory frameworks and mechanisms to ensure that any mining activities are conducted sustainably and responsibly.
Until such measures are implemented, he believes that it is prudent to refrain from resource exploitation to prevent further environmental degradation and to protect the livelihoods of communities affected by mining activities.
Meanwhile, recent research conducted by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) in collaboration with the Research Scientists Association at the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC) reveals that the country is losing its lush forests and water bodies due to galamsey activities.
Accordingly, there are increasing calls for various authorities and the government as a whole to take a strong stance against this practice to protect the country’s future.
On the other hand, the Government of Ghana is under increasing pressure from a wide range of stakeholders, including community members, environmental activists, and NGOs, to put an end to illegal mining, commonly referred to as galamsey.
As a result, there is a growing demand for the government to take decisive action against illegal mining practices to protect the country’s natural resources and ensure the well-being of its citizens.
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