The Convention People’s Party (CPP) has expressed deep concern over the ongoing politicization of the fight against illegal mining, commonly known as “galamsey.”
The party has called on all Ghanaians to come together and take collective responsibility in the battle to protect the nation’s environment, particularly its river bodies and arable lands, which have been severely damaged by illegal mining activities.
In a press statement issued by the CPP’s National Communications Director, Osei Kofi Acquah, the party lamented the long-standing nature of the galamsey issue, noting that it is a legacy problem that has persisted through successive governments.
The CPP cited a 2007 study by the Third World Network (Ghana), which revealed that mining communities in Ghana have been left worse off in terms of socio-economic development despite years of mining operations.
The CPP acknowledged the challenges faced by former ministers of Lands and Natural Resources during the administration of former President John Mahama. According to the party, both Hon. Inusah Fuseini and Hon. Mahama Ayariga, who held the portfolio at different times, struggled to combat illegal mining due to the enormity of the task.
Further research by the International Growth Center (IGC), which explored the impact of Chinese involvement in small-scale gold mining in Ghana, was also highlighted in the statement.
The report showed that foreign involvement, particularly by Chinese nationals, became a contentious issue in 2012 and 2013, prompting the formation of an inter-ministerial task force by then-President Mahama. However, the task force’s efforts failed to deliver the expected results.
At a time when Ghana is grappling with the effects of galamsey, the CPP expressed disappointment over the increasing partisan bickering surrounding the issue. The party urged Ghanaians to set aside political differences and unite in the fight to save the country’s natural resources.
“It is unfortunate that at this crucial point in Ghana’s history, we are engaging in petty partisan blame games instead of working together to address this national crisis,” the statement read.
In addition to commending organized labor for prioritizing national interest by suspending a planned strike, the CPP called on the government to impose a temporary ban on all small- and medium-scale mining operations.
The party also proposed an initiative called “Operation See Galamseyer, Report Galamseyer,” which encourages citizens to report illegal mining activities in their communities to local authorities, including unit committees, assembly members, chiefs, and police stations.
The CPP stressed that while public demonstrations are important for raising awareness, they alone will not solve the problem. The party urged Ghanaians to work closely with the appropriate authorities and, in cases where they fail to act, report to CPP offices for legal assistance.
“We call on all Ghanaians to stand shoulder to shoulder in this fight. Illegal mining is a threat to our future, and it is a responsibility we all share,” the statement concluded, reaffirming the party’s commitment to protecting Ghana’s natural resources.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
