Kwame Jantuah, a prominent figure within the Convention People’s Party (CPP), has issued a fervent call for the immediate public identification and prosecution of any politician implicated in the illicit small-scale mining operations, widely known as “galamsey,” which are currently ravaging Ghana’s natural landscape. He emphasized the critical need for a resolute and impartial approach in combating this destructive activity, stressing that political figures who perpetuate and profit from galamsey should not be shielded from accountability, regardless of their party affiliation. Jantuah’s appeal underscores the urgency of the situation and calls for a united front against this environmental and social menace that threatens Ghana’s future. He insists that the preservation of the nation’s natural resources must transcend political divides and that all citizens, particularly those in positions of power, must prioritize the long-term well-being of the country over partisan interests.
Jantuah’s call for transparency and accountability extends to all political parties, including his own, the CPP, as well as the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), and the People’s National Convention (PNC). He argues that the fight against galamsey must be a collective national endeavor, devoid of political maneuvering and selective prosecution. This unwavering commitment to exposing and punishing wrongdoers, regardless of their political connections, is crucial to deterring further environmental degradation and ensuring the efficacy of anti-galamsey initiatives. The devastation caused by illegal mining demands a unified response that prioritizes the nation’s interests above all else.
In an interview on Accra-based GHOne TV, Jantuah urged the government to adopt a more assertive stance against illegal mining activities. He advocated for the revocation of mining licenses of any company, whether operating legally or illegally, found to be complicit in galamsey, citing Akonta Mining as a case in point. He argued that companies found to be supporting or engaging in illegal mining within forest reserves demonstrate a blatant disregard for environmental regulations and should, therefore, be stripped of their operational permits. This decisive action, he believes, would send a strong message of deterrence to other mining companies and underscore the government’s commitment to protecting Ghana’s natural resources.
Jantuah’s concerns extend beyond the immediate environmental damage caused by illegal mining. He highlighted the detrimental impact of galamsey on Ghana’s water resources, lamenting the increasing water scarcity experienced in numerous parts of the country. He linked the pollution of water bodies directly to illegal mining operations, emphasizing the severe consequences for public health and daily life. The disruption to water supply, with frequent and prolonged outages, is a pressing issue that needs immediate attention. Jantuah warned that this water crisis is a precursor to more severe problems, underscoring the need for swift and decisive action to address the root cause – the unchecked proliferation of illegal mining.
The CPP stalwart’s appeal for collective action in combating galamsey extends to all political leaders, past and present. He specifically called upon former President Nana Akufo-Addo to lend his support and influence to ongoing efforts aimed at curbing the menace. Jantuah believes that the fight against galamsey requires the active involvement of all influential figures, irrespective of their current political standing. The gravity of the situation demands a concerted effort, transcending partisan boundaries, to protect Ghana’s environment and ensure the sustainable management of its natural resources.
Jantuah’s impassioned plea for action highlights the urgency and severity of the galamsey crisis in Ghana. His call for transparency, accountability, and decisive action by the government, coupled with the involvement of all political leaders, underscores the need for a unified national response. The fight against galamsey is not merely an environmental issue; it is a fight for Ghana’s future, a fight for the preservation of its natural resources, and a fight for the well-being of its citizens. Only through concerted action, unburdened by political considerations, can Ghana hope to effectively address this devastating problem and secure a sustainable future for generations to come.
