A prominent member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) – the ruling government, Gabby Otchere-Darko, has provided the public with an official report dated February 1955 to prove the long standing fight against illegal mining also known as galamsey.
Mr Otchere-Darko, despite admitting the adverse effect of galamsey on the country, has also defended the ruling party from citizens who hold the government responsible for the menace.
In a post on the X platform dated November 8, he wrote “Galamsey in 1955. It has been a long fight…” in attachment to the Legislative Assembly debate.
https://twitter.com/GabbyDarko/status/1854897577335955769
Many Ghanaians have hurled criticism against the Akufo-Addo-led government over its failure to nib the canker in the bud. Prior to assuming office, then presidential candidate for the NPP – now president, Nana Akufo-Addo put his presidency on the line to address illegal mining activities.
Several initiatives such as halting operations of small-scale miners, Operation Halt and laws to ban mining in restricted areas were implemented, however, none of these have been able to address the underlying issues.
In recent years, Ghanaians have witnessed brutal destruction of water bodies such as Pra River, River Oti and forest reserves by audacious illegal miners. Such actions have hindered the continuous supply of water to some areas in the country and the situation could worsen should galamsey not be addressed, according to the Ghana Water Company Limited.
Amid public criticism, some Ghanaians hit the streets to protest against the government to finally take pragmatic steps to address galamsey. Some sections of the public called for the suspension of mining of small-scale miners to enable affected water bodies recover. This request has however been shot down by the government due to the economic benefits in foreign exchange that Ghana derives from gold production and exportation.
The conversation on illegal mining has been politicised to some extent, where the National Democratic Congress and the NPP debate on whose government has allowed the menace to foster. Such conversation has compelled Mr Otchere-Darko to provide evidence to prove that galamsey has been in existence for long and present and past governments have failed to address the matter.
The recent document provided by Mr Otchere-Darko hasn’t been welcomed by many who believe his submission seeks to absolve the government from blame over its failed promise to eradicate galamsey.
Some X users wrote, “Can we stop visiting the past and focus on how to fight it head on?? Bunch of clueless excusers.”
“But Galamsey operators are not mining companies? It is simply exposing the insufficient mining regulations at the time to safeguard waterbodies. Don’t be silly prime minister.”
Following backlash from the public, the government has decided to review its efforts to tackle illegal mining. Presently, all and sundry are entreated to stand united to fight illegal mining as its effects are lasting and not discriminatory.