Deputy Communications Director of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Ernest Owusu-Bempah Bonsu, has emphasized that the fight against illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, transcends political affiliations and requires a collective national effort.
Speaking on an Accra-based radio station, Owusu-Bempah underscored the complexities of tackling galamsey, stressing that the issue is not one that can be resolved by the Akufo-Addo administration alone, but demands the commitment and collaboration of every Ghanaian.
Mr. Owusu-Bempah highlighted the origins of the galamsey crisis, pointing out that the use of chanfan machines, a key tool in illegal mining operations, first appeared in Ghana between 2013 and 2015 under the leadership of former President John Mahama.
He also accused Mahama’s administration of allowing individuals like Aisha Heung to institutionalize galamsey, leading to its proliferation across the country.
"To effectively combat galamsey, we need more than just political rhetoric; we need a bold leader with the initiative to act and citizens who are willing to support the cause," Owusu-Bempah stated.
He added that while President Akufo-Addo has made significant efforts to address the galamsey menace, the success of these initiatives has been hindered by local resistance and the vested interests of some community leaders.
He criticized the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) for undermining the fight against galamsey for political gain, claiming that their actions during the 2020 elections led to the loss of critical mining areas for the NPP.
According to Owusu-Bempah, NDC communicators, including their flagbearer, misled communities involved in illegal mining by portraying galamsey as beneficial, despite its detrimental impact on the environment and local livelihoods.
"The fight against galamsey is a national issue that requires the cooperation of both the ruling party and the opposition. In civilized democracies, when it comes to national interest, all parties work together to achieve common goals. Unfortunately, this has not been the case in Ghana," he lamented.
Mr. Owusu-Bempah urged Ghanaians to recognize the severity of the galamsey crisis and support the government’s efforts to eradicate it.
He called on political leaders across the spectrum to prioritize national interest over political expediency, stressing that the protection of the country’s natural resources should be a unifying cause for all Ghanaians.
Mr. Owusu-Bempah reiterated that while the Akufo-Addo administration has made strides in the fight against galamsey, the success of these efforts ultimately depends on the collective will of the people.
"The willpower is there, and the President has done his part. Now it is up to all of us, as citizens, to do ours," he said.
Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith
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