Illegal mining, or galamsey, has emerged as one of the most pressing environmental and political issues in Ghana, sparking intense national discussions.
The devastation it wreaks on the country’s ecosystems, particularly water bodies, forest reserves, and farmlands, cannot be overstated.
While numerous stakeholders have called for urgent action to curb the menace, the recent push for a moratorium on small-scale gold mining signifies a tipping point.
But according to Ing. Dr Kenneth Ashigbey, Convener of the Media Coalition against Illegal Mining, real progress will only be achieved if Ghana’s two dominant political parties—the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC)—unite to combat the galamsey threat.
Dr Ashigbey, who has been at the forefront of advocacy against illegal mining, in reaffirming his call for a declaration of a state of emergency on galamsey, underscored the need for both political parties to adopt a unified stance in eradicating this destructive practice.
“Both the NPP and NDC have a stake in this fight. Galamsey has infiltrated our political system. The Speaker of Parliament himself has indicted MPs from both parties, pointing out that galamsey money funds our politics.”
Dr Kenneth Ashibey, Convener of the Media Coalition Against Illegal Mining
Galamsey Money and Political Campaigns
Dr. Ashigbey’s statement on the political funding of campaigns with galamsey proceeds unveils a disturbing reality.
Illegal mining has not only become an environmental catastrophe but has also seeped into the very fabric of the political landscape. With Members of Parliament and key government officials allegedly benefiting from galamsey revenue, the stakes are higher than ever.
This, according to Dr Ashigbey, is why both parties must step beyond mere political rhetoric and take decisive, bipartisan action.
“This is not just about votes—it’s about the future of our country,” he declared, emphasizing that the time for passive commitments is over, urging both the ruling NPP and the opposition NDC as the country’s primary political forces to lead by example in tackling the galamsey crisis.
In making his case, Dr. Ashigbey drew parallels to the Israeli government’s unified stance in its fight against Hamas. “Just like how Israel has come together against Hamas, we too must unite. This is about our survival,” he noted.
He further pointed out that Ghana is facing an environmental battle that, if lost, could lead to the long-term destruction of natural resources. The country’s future, he argued, depends on the immediate, collaborative action of all political players.
The consequences of inaction, Dr Ashigbey warned, are dire, asserting that nature is already retaliating against the recklessness of illegal mining.
“The droughts, the loss of forest cover, and soon, we won’t even have polluted water to drink if we don’t act now” , painting a picture of a Ghana facing ecological collapse—unless both political parties heed the call for a united front.
Criticism of Regulatory Bodies
While the role of political parties is critical, the Convener of the Media Coalition against Illegal Mining, Ing.Dr Kenneth Ashigbey did not spare government regulatory agencies from his criticism.
He singled out the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for failing to enforce regulations effectively, citing the case of a company in the Western Region that continues to operate despite an EPA stop order.
“When you have someone mining close to water bodies, it’s a crime. You don’t just issue a letter; you arrest them,” he said.
The lack of enforcement, according to Dr Ashigbey, is contributing to the persistence of illegal mining and must be urgently addressed if any progress is to be made.
Looking ahead, Dr. Ashigbey urged both the NPP and NDC to prioritize the development of a responsible mining framework—a system that can balance the country’s need for economic growth with environmental sustainability.
“Whoever wins the elections, come January 2025, we must sit together and figure out how to mine responsibly and restore our water bodies”.
Ing. Dr Kenneth Ashigbey, Convener of the Media Coalition Against Illegal Mining
The galamsey issue is not just an environmental crisis; it is a political one as well. With illegal mining funds influencing the political sphere and regulatory agencies failing to enforce laws, it is evident that a united bipartisan approach can provide a sustainable solution.
The onus is now on the NPP and NDC to lead the charge, put aside political differences, and address this national emergency head-on.
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