Ebo Buckman, a prominent figure within the Movement for Change, has penned a forceful open letter to President John Dramani Mahama, censuring Ghana’s political leadership for their decades-long failure to effectively address the escalating crisis of illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey. Writing as a concerned citizen rather than a partisan actor, Buckman condemns the inaction, complicity, and politicization that have allowed this environmental catastrophe to spiral out of control. He characterizes the situation as a “ticking time bomb” that poses a fundamental test of national leadership, a test he believes Ghana is currently failing.
Buckman’s central argument reframes galamsey as “environmental terrorism,” a far more insidious and sophisticated operation than typically portrayed. He argues that the true perpetrators are not the impoverished youth often seen wielding shovels, but rather powerful, well-connected individuals who operate under the cloak of political influence and impunity. These individuals, a mix of foreign actors, politicians, and businesspeople, are the driving force behind the environmental devastation, exploiting vulnerable communities and profiting from the destruction of Ghana’s natural resources. Buckman’s characterization of the situation as “environmental terrorism” underscores the deliberate and systematic nature of the destruction, highlighting the scale and severity of the threat.
He directly implores President Mahama and the broader political establishment to acknowledge their role in enabling this crisis and to implement genuine, far-reaching solutions. Buckman criticizes the historical reliance on task forces and public pledges, deeming them largely performative and ineffective. These measures, he argues, have served more as political theater than genuine attempts to address the root causes of galamsey and hold the powerful actors accountable. The cyclical nature of these interventions, followed by resurgences in illegal mining activity, demonstrates the inadequacy of superficial solutions.
With Ghana’s vital resources – rivers, forests, and agricultural lands – rapidly disappearing under the relentless pressure of illegal mining, Buckman warns of impending irreversible damage. He calls on President Mahama to act not merely as a political leader but as a steward of the nation’s future, urging him to take bold and uncompromising steps to combat this existential threat. This call to action emphasizes the urgency of the situation, highlighting the potential for long-term environmental degradation and its impact on future generations.
Buckman’s open letter amplifies mounting public pressure on the Ghanaian government to take decisive action against galamsey, an issue that continues to wreak havoc on the environment despite years of public outcry and sporadic government interventions. The letter serves as a powerful indictment of the existing approaches, demanding a fundamental shift in strategy and a commitment to holding those truly responsible accountable. The environmental degradation caused by galamsey extends beyond immediate ecological damage; it threatens the livelihoods of communities, jeopardizes water security, and undermines the country’s long-term sustainable development.
The letter’s significance lies not only in its stark depiction of the environmental crisis but also in its direct challenge to the political establishment. By naming the underlying issues of complicity and inaction, Buckman’s letter raises crucial questions about governance, accountability, and the political will to address deeply entrenched problems. It calls for a fundamental reassessment of the strategies employed to combat illegal mining and demands a more robust and transparent approach that targets the powerful actors behind the destruction. The urgency of his appeal reflects a growing national concern and the need for immediate, decisive action to protect Ghana’s environmental future.
