There have been several discussions on the negative effects of illegal mining in the country and President’s Akufo-Addo’s commitment to fighting the canker which is destroying our water bodies and the environment. Activities of illegal miners create deep holes in the soil and can be very dangerous with some serving as death traps where innocent people have fallen and died instantly due to negligence on the part of illegal miners who refuse to cover the deep holes after their work on a particular site is completed.
And there have been several stories where people have fallen into galamsey pit and died. Some persons have lost their lives because they wanted to bring an end to the activities of illegal miniers and is worrying to see that their fight did not yield any god results since up to date, illegal mining is being done by some perceived big men who are friends and family members of government appointees and have been given the green light to mine though there have been a ban on illegal mining.
This raises the question about how committed the Akufo-Addo led government is to the cause of fighting the activities of illegal miners. Has the Akufo-Adoo government let Ghanaians down on his call to stop the activities of galamseyers to protect our water bodies and natural resources? Ghanaians have the perfect answer to the question.
President Akufo-Adoo after coming into office, pledged his support to fight illegal mining and many Ghanaians sung his praises for being bold to see the right thing is done. But one would ask, has the president’s intention he made known to us being fulfilled? We were once told by the president that he does not care if illegal miners turn their backs on him during election because of his fight against their activities and the whole country cheered Akufo-Adoo on to fight tooth and nail and see to the stop of illegal mining destroying our forest resources.
We were once told that education will be given to illegal miners on the proper way of mining so our water bodies will not get contaminated due to the chemicals used to get the gold. But it looks like the narrative has changed. One would ask again was Akufo-Addo’s fight against ‘galamsey’ a well-thought-out masterplan, designed to take over the illicit trade and in turn use its proceeds to fund the ruling New Patriotic Party during election period? I don’t have any better answer for that but I believe my NPP brothers and sister have a better answer.
On 27th May, 2019, ghanaweb.com reported that water crisis in Cape-Coast had worsened due to intensified ”Galamsey” in the Central region. Recently, ghanaiantimes.com.gh reported that the Daboase Water treatment Plant was in danger as illegal mining activities in the area was polluting the River Pra and it has led to the increase in skin diseases making life very difficult in such areas because it is the only source of drinking water and for people living in such areas.
Just recently, there were news about 500 missing excavators seized from small scale and illegal miners who were tipped to receive proper training before their equipment are released so they know the proper way to mine without contaminating our water bodies. And we were told that some individuals whose excavators have been seized were paying certain amount of monies to get their machines back. Also, it is alleged that Dr Kwabena Frimpong Boateng who heads the Inter-Ministerial Committee Against Illegal Mining has his son Jojo engaging in the act with some party members included and it is mind boggling that the same government that promised to end galamsey has now become the kingpin of the illicit activity. We are not blind to see that the NPP are desperate to retain power despite their claims that Ghanaians will vote for Akufo-Addo due to his extraordinary performance resulting in the improvement in the lives of the ordinary Ghanaian.
Ghanaians can judge if this government is really committed to fighting galamsey or it is a mere rhetoric. One phrase which always come to mind when Akufo-Addo made his intention known to us about his desire to fight galamsey is “If it must be done, it must be done well”.
To God and Country,
Nana Kwame
nanak6959@gmail.com
