Joyce Bawah Mogtari, serving as the spokesperson for John Dramani Mahama’s 2024 campaign under the National Democratic Congress (NDC), recently underscored the urgent need for proactive government intervention in combating illegal mining, commonly referred to as galamsey. In her social media commentary on October 6, Mogtari directed her appeal to President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, urging him to take significant measures to tackle the escalating environmental degradation resulting from these mining activities. With the President’s term nearing its conclusion, there has been mounting pressure on him to enhance governmental efforts against galamsey, which has been responsible for severe destruction of water bodies, agricultural lands, and forest resources throughout the country.
Mogtari articulated a series of recommendations that she believes could ameliorate the ongoing crisis. Notably, she advocated for a reevaluation of mining licenses granted under the current administration, asserting that revisions should be enacted through executive orders. “Dear President Akufo-Addo, you are just about ready to leave office; your tenure will end in at least eight weeks. Please let the protesters go and do well to review by presidential fiat the mining licenses issued by your government to companies mining in forests and close to water bodies,” she stated. Her remarks reveal a sense of urgency regarding the potential long-term consequences of unchecked illegal mining, which threaten not only the environment but also the livelihood of communities that depend on these vital natural resources.
Critical to Mogtari’s advocacy is her call for a moratorium on ongoing mining operations, coupled with comprehensive assessments of the damage inflicted by these activities. She urged President Akufo-Addo to take immediate action, specifically by implementing thorough site inspections to gauge the extent of the environmental harm caused by illegal mining. In her analysis, she posited the establishment of a structured demarcation plan that would facilitate better monitoring and regulation of mining undertakings, allowing for a more organized approach to preserving sensitive ecological areas. “You can introduce a moratorium of sorts or inspect the vicinity closely if you have not already done so and come up with a solution, such as a demarcation plan that can be monitored and implemented closely,” she advised the President.
Further emphasizing the critical nature of the concerns surrounding illegal mining, Mogtari called for an immediate cessation of the approval for new mining permits and licenses until a more effective regulatory framework is established. This assertion aligns with her overall strategy of safeguarding crucial environmental areas that are at risk from mining activities. She specifically highlighted the need for rigorous regulations that would prohibit mining near agricultural lands, essential roadways, and water sources, which are pivotal for maintaining ecological balance and supporting local communities. This approach reflects a recognition of the intertwined relationship between environmental sustainability and the economic well-being of Ghanaians.
Mogtari’s appeal to the President to rein in illegal mining can also be interpreted as an urgent plea for leadership amidst growing public outcry concerning the ramifications of galamsey practices. By calling for executive action, she positions herself and her party as champions for environmental conservation, differentiating their agenda from that of the current administration. The NDC’s commitment to environmental protection and sustainable resource management could resonate positively with voters who are increasingly conscious of ecological issues, especially as they approach the polls in 2024.
In conclusion, Mogtari’s impassioned plea to President Akufo-Addo showcases the escalating tensions associated with illegal mining in Ghana, detailing a roadmap of urgent interventions needed to combat this pressing issue. Her recommendations for immediate action, including a reevaluation of mining licenses, a moratorium on new permits, and stricter regulations, reflect a pivotal call for environmental stewardship before the President’s departure from office. As the 2024 elections draw near, the discourse surrounding illegal mining and its environmental implications will be critical not only for defining party policies but also for galvanizing public support among constituents who are increasingly advocating for sustainable development and responsible governance.
