The FixTheCountry Movement, a Ghanaian pressure group, has leveled scathing criticism against the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government, accusing it of prioritizing public relations and propaganda over concrete action in combating the pervasive issue of illegal small-scale mining, locally known as galamsey. The group contends that despite President John Dramani Mahama’s campaign pledges to address galamsey as a national emergency, his administration’s response has been characterized by superficial measures, political maneuvering, and empty promises, devoid of tangible outcomes. This critique underscores a deep-seated frustration with the government’s perceived inaction and highlights the growing public concern over the devastating environmental and socio-economic consequences of galamsey.
The FixTheCountry Movement, known for organizing the #FreeTheCitizens and #StopGalamseyNow protests, issued a strongly worded statement expressing their disappointment with the government’s handling of the crisis. They argue that the ongoing pollution of rivers, destruction of forests, and suffering within affected communities are direct evidence of the government’s failure to tackle the menace with the necessary urgency and decisiveness. The statement points to the continued operation of illegal mining activities as a clear indication of the government’s lack of commitment to enforcing existing laws and regulations. This perceived failure to act decisively fuels the group’s skepticism and reinforces their belief that the government is prioritizing political expediency over the welfare of the environment and the affected communities.
Central to the FixTheCountry Movement’s criticism is the assertion that the government possesses ample information to effectively address the galamsey problem. They argue that district assemblies are fully aware of the number of excavators operating illegally within their respective jurisdictions. They further contend that the government has knowledge of the foreign companies facilitating the illegal mining operations by leasing excavators to miners. Furthermore, the group asserts that the government is privy to the identities of individuals and entities holding mining licenses, both legal and illegal. This detailed knowledge, according to the FixTheCountry Movement, makes the government’s inaction even more perplexing and lends credence to their accusations of deliberate negligence.
The FixTheCountry Movement specifically takes issue with the government’s recent announcement of deploying “water guards” to protect rivers, dismissing it as yet another diversionary tactic designed to appease public outcry while simultaneously allowing illegal mining to continue unabated. They argue that the deployment of water guards is a superficial measure that fails to address the root causes of the problem. Instead of focusing on symbolic gestures, the group insists that the government should prioritize the enforcement of existing laws and regulations, which they believe would be far more effective in curbing illegal mining activities. The emphasis on law enforcement highlights the group’s belief that a robust legal framework, coupled with consistent and effective implementation, is crucial to addressing the galamsey crisis.
The FixTheCountry Movement’s critique of the government’s approach transcends mere dissatisfaction with specific policies; it reflects a fundamental distrust of the government’s commitment to resolving the galamsey issue. They argue that the proliferation of committees and task forces, historically ineffective in tackling the problem, serves as further evidence of the government’s preference for symbolic action over genuine solutions. The group’s call for “real action” encapsulates their demand for a more substantive and impactful approach to combating galamsey, one that moves beyond superficial measures and addresses the underlying causes of the problem.
In essence, the FixTheCountry Movement’s statement serves as a potent indictment of the government’s perceived failure to effectively address the galamsey crisis. Their accusations of prioritizing public relations over concrete action, coupled with their skepticism towards the government’s proposed solutions, highlight a growing public sentiment of frustration and distrust. The group’s insistence on law enforcement and tangible results underscores the urgent need for a more comprehensive and effective strategy to combat illegal mining and protect Ghana’s environment and communities from its devastating consequences. Their call for “real action” serves as a rallying cry for greater government accountability and a more decisive approach to resolving this critical national issue.
