Akwasi Addae Odike, the founder and leader of the United Progressive Party (UPP), has expressed strong skepticism about the National Democratic Congress (NDC)’s ability to effectively combat illegal small-scale mining, commonly known as galamsey, in Ghana. Odike’s assertion stems from the NDC’s history of criticizing the New Patriotic Party (NPP) for allegedly supporting galamsey while in opposition, only to seemingly perpetuate the practice when in power. He argues that the NDC’s pronouncements against galamsey while vying for power were primarily political rhetoric designed to gain an advantage over the NPP. This cynical view underscores a broader concern about the cyclical nature of Ghanaian politics, where both major parties, the NDC and NPP, exploit public anxieties about issues like galamsey for electoral gain without genuinely addressing them.
Odike’s critique highlights a perceived pattern in Ghanaian politics: the opposition party vehemently condemns the ruling party’s handling of galamsey, promises decisive action if elected, and then, once in power, fails to deliver on those promises. This creates a frustrating cycle where the issue of galamsey remains unresolved, while both parties benefit politically from the public outcry. Odike suggests that this cycle persists because Ghanaian voters, despite their lamentations about the devastating effects of galamsey, continue to vote for the same parties that have failed to curb the practice. This pattern, he contends, reveals a deeply ingrained “colonial mindset,” where political expediency trumps the long-term well-being of the nation and its environment.
Furthermore, Odike emphasizes the detrimental environmental impact of galamsey, particularly its devastating consequences on Ghana’s water resources. He paints a stark picture of a future where access to clean water becomes a luxury if the destructive practice continues unchecked. Odike points to the activities of some Chinese nationals involved in galamsey as a significant contributor to this environmental degradation, arguing that their actions are pushing Ghana towards an ecological crisis. This echoes a common concern about the role of foreign actors in exacerbating the galamsey problem, often with the alleged complicity of local officials. He stresses the urgent need for comprehensive action, not just political posturing, to prevent this impending environmental catastrophe.
Odike proposes a series of concrete measures to combat galamsey beyond mere political rhetoric. He advocates for a complete ban on surface mining, a rigorous audit of all mining licenses, including those held by multinational companies, and a comprehensive land reclamation and restoration program. This audit, he believes, will expose the complicity of powerful individuals and corporations who profit from illegal mining activities under the guise of legitimate operations. The land reclamation initiative, he argues, should involve planting crops that will not only restore the degraded environment but also contribute to the country’s economic prosperity. He emphasizes that a unified national effort is essential to effectively address the galamsey menace and preserve Ghana’s natural resources for future generations.
In essence, Odike’s message is a call for a paradigm shift in how Ghana addresses galamsey. He rejects the current dynamic where the issue is used as a political football by the major parties, leading to a cycle of broken promises and environmental destruction. He argues that the focus should be on concrete solutions, rigorous enforcement of mining regulations, and holding all actors accountable, regardless of their political affiliations or economic influence. He believes that breaking this cycle requires a fundamental shift in the mindset of both politicians and the electorate, prioritizing long-term environmental sustainability over short-term political gains.
Ultimately, Odike’s commentary serves as a wake-up call for Ghana. He warns of a looming environmental crisis driven by the relentless pursuit of short-term economic gains through galamsey. He challenges the nation to move beyond empty political pronouncements and embrace a concerted, long-term strategy to combat illegal mining. This strategy, he argues, must involve a fundamental change in mindset, prioritizing the preservation of Ghana’s natural resources and the well-being of its citizens over the political maneuvering and economic interests that have allowed galamsey to flourish. He stresses that only through such a transformative approach can Ghana escape the destructive cycle of galamsey and secure a sustainable future for generations to come.
