The government’s response to the galamsey crisis has been widely met with skepticism among citizens, who question the sincerity and effectiveness of its efforts to combat galamsey activities.
Despite promises to tackle the issue, the continued prevalence of illegal mining activities has led many to question the government’s commitment.
The lack of tangible results, inconsistent enforcement, and perceived prioritization of interests have all contributed to the perception that the government’s response is merely a superficial action to appear responsive.
Accordingly, Prof. Ransford Gyampo, a Political Scientist, has strongly criticized the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources’ response to galamsey, dismissing it as “beautiful nonsense”.
He contended that this response is a superficial attempt to feign governmental responsiveness, lacking real substance and commitment to tackling the problem.
According to Prof. Gyampo, the Ministry’s handling of the galamsey issue demonstrates a profound failure to comprehend the enormity of the problem.
He emphasized that this lack of understanding is compounded by a lack of urgency, which is essential for effectively tackling the crisis.
“No labor union or civil society can be fooled by this. Place a moratorium on mining, whether legal or illegal; let our water bodies recover their integrity; and then let there be a national conversation on mining that doesn’t leave dangerous ecological footprints”.
Prof. Ransford Gyampo
As such, Prof. Gyampo warned that Organized Labor would leverage its collective strength and resources to push relentlessly for a total ban on mining activities.
Prof. Gyampo observed that the degradation of Ghana’s environment and water bodies is a longstanding issue, predating every administration in the Fourth Republic.
He lamented the devastating existential impacts of this environmental destruction, emphasizing the urgent need for collective action.
Most importantly, allegations of corruption and collusion between government officials and galamsey operators further undermine trust in the government’s willingness to tackle the issue.
Gyampo Urges Non-Partisan Approach To Environmental Restoration
According to Prof. Ransford Gyampo, the fight to restore Ghana’s environmental integrity must be viewed as a noble cause, devoid of political motivations.
Prof. Gyampo asserted that this cause should not be exploited as a tool to discredit or make any particular regime unpopular, but rather as a collective effort to protect the nation’s ecological heritage.
“In other words, our resolve to fight all mining activities that undermine our very source of livelihood and leave dangerous ecological footprints is irrespective of regime. We are where we are now because of excessive partisanship that has blinded us from seeing real problems and solving them”.
Prof. Ransford Gyampo
He underscored the gravity of the situation, declaring that the fight to restore environmental integrity is, in fact, a fight for survival – a critical struggle against an existential threat that jeopardizes the future of Ghana.
According to Prof. Gyampo, the environmental movement’s primary objective is to address a critical national issue, not to undermine the ruling government’s chances or bolster the opposition’s position.
Prof. Gyampo indicated that the citizens’ determination to end galamsey remains unwavering, regardless of which party holds power – be it NPP, NDC, Movement for Change, CPP, or any other.
As such, he emphasized that the unshakeable determination of Ghanaians will persist, unrelenting and steadfast, until the ultimate victory in the fight against galamsey is achieved.
However, Prof. Gyampo stated that the slow pace of reform, lack of transparency, and unfulfilled promises have eroded trust in the government’s willingness to address the root causes of galamsey.
The devastating environmental and social impacts of galamsey demand a more robust and genuine response from the government.
As such, citizens expect concrete actions, not mere rhetoric. The government must prioritize the well-being of local communities and the environment over interests and take decisive action to combat galamsey.
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