The Politicization of Galamsey: A National Crisis
Dr. Samuel Afriyie, a Senior Marketing Lecturer at Kumasi Technical University (KsTU), has sparked a crucial national dialogue by highlighting the deep-seated connection between illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey, and political operations in Ghana. His argument revolves around the disturbing reality that galamsey has become intertwined with political patronage, hindering genuine efforts to combat its devastating environmental consequences. Dr. Afriyie’s assertion, made during a radio panel discussion, underscores the urgent need for a depoliticized approach to tackling this environmental menace.
Dr. Afriyie’s central thesis is that political parties have integrated galamsey into their campaign strategies, using mining concessions as incentives to garner support. This practice, he argues, emboldens party loyalists to engage in illegal mining with the expectation of protection once their party assumes power. This creates a vicious cycle where galamsey becomes entrenched within the political landscape, making it virtually impossible for any government to effectively combat it. The inherent conflict of interest created by this dynamic undermines the integrity of environmental regulations and enforcement efforts.
The politicization of galamsey, according to Dr. Afriyie, transforms what should be a regulated sector for sustainable development into a tool for political bargaining. Military interventions and policy pronouncements, he argues, are rendered ineffective as long as political parties continue to exploit mining concessions as rewards for electoral support. The deeply entrenched nature of this system makes it challenging for any government to act decisively against illegal mining, fearing backlash from its own support base. This dynamic fosters a culture of impunity where those involved in galamsey operate with little fear of repercussions.
Dr. Afriyie emphasizes that the detrimental effects of galamsey transcend political affiliations, impacting all Ghanaians. The environmental degradation caused by illegal mining affects everyone, regardless of their political leanings. He therefore calls for a unified national response, urging citizens to view galamsey as a collective environmental threat rather than a partisan issue. Unless Ghanaians prioritize environmental protection over party politics, he warns, the fight against galamsey will remain a futile endeavor.
Dr. Afriyie’s call to action centers on the need for a bipartisan approach, urging Ghanaians to put aside their political differences and work together to reclaim and restore the nation’s degraded lands and polluted water bodies. He stresses the importance of collective responsibility, emphasizing that the fight against galamsey requires a unified effort from all stakeholders, including citizens, leaders, and institutions. He believes that only through a concerted, non-partisan approach can Ghana effectively combat this environmental crisis and preserve its natural heritage for future generations.
Dr. Afriyie’s remarks have resonated across the political spectrum, prompting calls for a collaborative approach to tackle illegal mining. His analysis has brought the issue to the forefront of national discourse, creating an opportunity for a more effective and sustainable strategy to combat galamsey. The challenge now lies in translating this awareness into concrete action that transcends political divides and prioritizes the long-term well-being of Ghana’s environment and its people.
