The fight against illegal mining, or “galamsey,” in Ghana has taken center stage with Member of Parliament for Damongo, Samuel Abu Jinapor, advocating for the inclusion of politically exposed persons in the ongoing dialogue. Jinapor’s call comes amidst deliberations on Legislative Instrument (L.I.) 2462, a piece of legislation designed to revoke the presidential power to grant mining permits within forest reserves. He argues that influential political figures cannot be excluded from the conversation, especially given the persistent threat galamsey poses to Ghana’s precious forest resources. He directly challenged the prevailing notion that politicians are uninvolved in this illegal practice, suggesting that their influence and involvement is a significant driver of the problem.
Jinapor’s assertions point to a complex and deeply rooted connection between political power and the illegal mining industry. He referenced the Coalition Against Galamsey, led by Ken Ashigbey, which has voiced concerns about politically powerful individuals exploiting forest reserves for personal gain, particularly after electoral victories. Drawing on his own experience as the former Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Jinapor emphasized the widespread nature of illegal mining activities, claiming that it occurs in virtually every forest reserve across the country. He invited skepticism towards his claims but insisted on the urgency of confronting the reality of political involvement. He proposed a test of his assertions, suggesting a timeline of six months to two years to observe the unchecked progression of galamsey if political influence continues unabated.
The Member of Parliament’s statement underscores the need for transparency and honesty in addressing the galamsey crisis. He warned that a lack of candor and a refusal to acknowledge the role of political actors will ultimately undermine efforts to combat illegal mining and protect Ghana’s forests. He painted a grim picture of the future, predicting irreversible damage to the environment if the issue is not addressed with full awareness of the political dynamics involved.
Jinapor’s arguments delve into the heart of the galamsey problem, highlighting the potential complicity and influence of powerful political figures. He suggests that the fight against illegal mining isn’t just an environmental issue, but also a political one, entangled with power dynamics and potential corruption. His insistence on including politically exposed persons in the discussion implies that any solution that ignores this aspect is likely to be ineffective. He calls for a frank and open conversation, acknowledging the uncomfortable truth about the involvement of political players.
The call for inclusion of politically exposed persons in the galamsey discourse is a crucial aspect of Jinapor’s argument. He emphasizes that ignoring their influence would be a grave misstep in tackling the crisis. This suggests that the fight against illegal mining requires not only environmental protection measures but also political reform and accountability. The challenge lies in navigating the complexities of power and influence that often shield those involved in illegal activities.
Jinapor’s intervention contributes significantly to the ongoing national debate surrounding galamsey. He underscores the urgency of the situation, warning of the devastating consequences if the issue remains unaddressed. His emphasis on political involvement reframes the fight against illegal mining as a battle against corruption and abuse of power, demanding not just environmental action, but also political and legal reforms to dismantle the networks that perpetuate this destructive practice. This call for transparency and accountability is paramount for the preservation of Ghana’s natural resources and the sustainable future of the nation. His plea is for a comprehensive and honest approach, acknowledging the deep-rooted political dimensions of the galamsey crisis.
