The ongoing debate surrounding illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey, in Ghana has intensified with accusations flying between the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP). Derrick Nana Asare, a communications member of the NDC, has launched a scathing attack on the NPP, questioning their moral authority to criticize the current government’s handling of the galamsey crisis. Asare argues that the NPP’s own actions during their time in power significantly exacerbated the problem, leaving them with little credibility to lecture the NDC on the issue. He points to specific instances and policies enacted under the previous NPP administration as evidence of their complicity and failure to effectively combat illegal mining.
Central to Asare’s argument is the allegation that former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo issued over 2,000 mining licenses to NPP members. This, he claims, fueled the expansion of illegal mining activities, as politically connected individuals exploited the permits for personal gain, often with little regard for environmental regulations. He contends that this widespread issuance of licenses created a climate of impunity, emboldening illegal miners and undermining efforts to control the devastating practice. Asare further emphasizes that this action directly contradicts the NPP’s current rhetoric on tackling galamsey, exposing what he sees as their hypocrisy and lack of genuine commitment to addressing the issue.
Furthermore, Asare highlights the case of Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, also known as Chairman Wontumi, the NPP’s Ashanti Regional Chairman. He recounts accusations against Wontumi involving alleged destruction of forest reserves and pollution of the Tano River in the Western Region. Asare criticizes the NPP’s defense of Wontumi, interpreting it as a clear indication of the party’s unwillingness to hold its own members accountable for environmental damage. This, he argues, demonstrates a pattern of protecting party loyalists even when their actions directly contribute to the galamsey problem, further eroding the NPP’s credibility in addressing the issue.
Asare also takes aim at specific legislation passed under the Akufo-Addo administration that permitted mining within forest reserves. He condemns this policy as a direct assault on Ghana’s environment, arguing that it legitimized the destruction of vital ecosystems and paved the way for further illegal mining activities. By allowing mining in protected areas, Asare believes the NPP actively undermined the very resources they now claim to be protecting. This, he posits, demonstrates a fundamental disconnect between the NPP’s rhetoric and their actions while in government, further solidifying his claim of their lack of moral authority on the galamsey issue.
In contrast to the NPP’s alleged failures, Asare emphasizes the NDC’s commitment, under President John Dramani Mahama, to implementing sustainable policies that protect the environment while simultaneously providing alternative livelihoods for young people often drawn into illegal mining. He asserts that the NDC recognizes the complex socio-economic factors that contribute to galamsey and seeks to address the root causes through sustainable development initiatives. This, he argues, distinguishes the NDC’s approach from the NPP’s, which he perceives as focused on punitive measures rather than comprehensive solutions.
Asare’s accusations represent a significant escalation in the political battle surrounding galamsey in Ghana. His strong condemnation of the NPP’s record on illegal mining raises serious questions about the party’s ability to effectively address the issue. By highlighting specific instances of alleged complicity and policy failures, Asare seeks to portray the NPP as part of the problem rather than the solution. His arguments, if substantiated, could significantly impact public perception of the NPP’s stance on galamsey and influence the ongoing national dialogue on how best to combat this destructive practice. The accusations also underscore the deep political divisions surrounding this critical environmental issue, highlighting the urgent need for a bipartisan approach to protect Ghana’s natural resources and the livelihoods of its people.
