With just 58 days until the presidential and parliamentary elections, the flag bearer of the Great Consolidated People’s Party (GCPP), Dr Daniel Augustus Lartey, expressed his commitment to curb the activities of illegal mining facing the country.
In a comprehensive interview, Dr. Lartey proposed practical solutions for dealing with illegal mining, emphasizing education, employment, and the need to return to basic agricultural practices.
Illegal mining, known locally as “galamsey,” has been a longstanding issue in Ghana. Dr. Lartey did not shy away from the gravity of the problem. He noted that illegal mining has resulted in widespread destruction of water bodies and agricultural lands.
“I don’t think that it started 2 or 3 years ago. I think it’s been there for quite a long time… it has cumulated into this very, very bad situation where our river waters are contaminated. We keep complaining and complaining… but let’s try and find a solution to solve it.”
Dr Daniel Augustus Lartey, Consolidated People’s Party (GCPP) Flagbearer
In his analysis, Dr. Lartey made it clear that while the damage is extensive, a relentless focus on the problem without identifying and implementing solutions will not help the country move forward.
Education: A Key to Solving Illegal Mining
Dr. Lartey outlined education as the cornerstone of his party’s plan to tackle illegal mining.
He stressed the need to educate not only the youth but also chiefs, farmers, and the entire populace on the adverse effects of galamsey and the long-term implications for the environment and the country’s economy.
“If these things continue and if we don’t know what to do, then our country will come to a standstill, and I don’t think that we want that to happen.”
Dr. Daniel Augustus Lartey, Consolidated People’s Party (GCPP) Flagbearer
Moreover, Dr. Lartey believes that many young people engaged in illegal mining lack alternative livelihoods. “The youth are not employed. There’s so many of them unemployed, especially university students… and you know that the backbone of this country is agriculture.”
He argued that education could help young people understand that there are better, long-term alternatives to illegal mining that benefit both them and the nation.
Advocating for a Return to Agriculture
Dr. Lartey’s most profound proposal for solving the illegal mining problem was a return to agriculture. In his view, farming is the lifeblood of Ghana, and it is crucial to bring it back to the centre of the economy, adding “We have to go back to basics, and basics is farming… what you eat is what you grow.”
Dr. Lartey acknowledged that much of Ghana’s arable land has been destroyed by illegal mining, but he still believes that efforts to reclaim what remains must be prioritized.
“There’s no old that is gone… but what is left? Let’s maximize it. Let’s farm with it. Let the youth know that, yes, now I’m making revenue from this, so I don’t need to engage in galamsey.”
Dr. Daniel Augustus Lartey, Consolidated People’s Party (GCPP) Flagbeaer
Supporting Government Initiatives
While Dr Lartey acknowledged the government’s current efforts, such as deploying the Ghana Armed Forces to combat illegal mining, he called for more practical solutions. “If the government is taking this initiative, I’ll support that, first of all… because we need to reclaim this land, some of it.”
However, he did not believe that banning all forms of mining was a practical solution. Instead, he proposed a more nuanced approach, where illegal mining concessions are stopped but legal mining companies are allowed to continue operating under strict environmental guidelines.
“So you’re going to ban AngloGold? You’re going to ban Newmont? You’re going to ban all those who have the legal entities to mine, because gold brings us revenue.”
Dr. Daniel Augustus Lartey, Consolidated People’s Party (GCPP) Flagbeaer
Addressing Unemployment and Providing Alternatives
The crux of Dr. Lartey’s argument centered around providing alternative livelihoods for the many young Ghanaians currently involved in illegal mining.
He emphasized that the root of the problem is not only environmental degradation but also widespread unemployment.
“They think they’re getting the money, but in the long term, it’s ruining the whole country.” For Dr. Lartey, agriculture represents a viable and sustainable alternative for these unemployed youth.
He highlighted the importance of educating young people about the long-term benefits of farming over the short-term financial gains from illegal mining, asserting that “I don’t think they would [continue with illegal mining] if they know that farming is the backbone of this country’s economy.”
Working with Chiefs and Communities
Beyond addressing the youth, Dr Lartey urged the government to work closely with chiefs and local communities. He noted that chiefs play an essential role in granting land for mining activities and therefore should be part of the solution. “You can’t just blame the government… we have to also help the government to find a solution to it.”
A Holistic Approach to the Galamsey Crisis
Finally, Dr. Lartey’s solution to the illegal mining crisis is rooted in a return to agriculture, education, and community involvement.
His plan emphasized empowering youth with knowledge about the long-term consequences of galamsey and providing them with viable employment alternatives.
He believes that with a focused effort to reclaim land and educate the population, Ghana can reverse the destructive effects of illegal mining. Dr. Lartey remains optimistic, stating, “We have to help ourselves… we should go back to basics.”
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