Choicenewsonline Your Choice Is Here
I do not agree that the fight against galamsey should be part of political parties’ election campaigns. It should not be included in their campaign messages because it would undermine national progress.
Without doubt rampant illegal small-scale mining, known as galamsey, has left Ghana’s environment severely degraded, with polluted water bodies, destroyed forests, and compromised food security. This illicit activity has claimed lives, displaced communities, and incurred substantial economic costs, rendering it a perennial concern.
Divided Efforts
Politicizing the fight against galamsey will only yield fragmented efforts. As political parties propose differing approaches, this can lead to conflicting policies, lack of continuity, and ultimately, ineffective solutions.
Obstructed consensus
Politicking has long hindered unity among stakeholders, undermining efforts to combat galamsey. Without full cooperation from a diverse range of stakeholders, the fight against galamsey risks being reduced to a mere political gimmick.
Distracted from Solutions
Successive governments have shifted focus from finding effective solutions to scoring political points, which has been counterproductive. Unless the focus remains on preventing galamsey and restoring damaged lands, water bodies, forests, and the environment, politicizing efforts to combat galamsey will continue to divert attention from meaningful solutions.
Undermined enforcement
Effective law enforcement against galamsey is compromised when political considerations take precedence. The New Patriotic Party (NPP) and National Democratic Congress (NDC) must put aside fears of losing votes or alienating supporters from galamsey-prone areas and prioritize honesty and accountability.
Encouraged Impunity
Worst perpetrators of illegal mining (galamsey) have consistently exploited their political connections to evade accountability and responsibility, including paying taxes, providing corporate social responsibilities, and reclaiming the land.
The Way Forward
As a worried Ghanaian, I suggest that a unified approach, transcending party lines, would be crucial to addressing these challenges.
Non-Partisan Approach
Adopting a non-partisan approach, where we transcend party lines and unite as a nation, is crucial to succeeding in the fight against galamsey.
Strong Institutions
Strong institutions, comprising well-resourced and independent agencies that prioritize the nation’s interests, are essential for enforcing laws and clamping down on galamsey.
Community Engagement
Effective community engagement is vital to fighting galamsey, as it requires the active participation of local communities in sustainable livelihood initiatives.
Alternative Livelihoods
Failing to provide economic opportunities for individuals affected by galamsey, particularly in areas dominated by unemployed youth and ex-convicts, would pose a significant security threat.
Conclusion
As Henry Ford once said, ‘Failure is not the opposite of success; it’s a part of success. Failure is nothing but opportunity to start more intelligently.
I firmly believe that galamsey’s devastating impact necessitates a collective, apolitical response. No single individual, group, demonstration, labour union, or strike action can eradicate galamsey in Ghana; it requires a collaborative national effort.
By adopting a non-political, holistic approach, Ghana can effectively combat galamsey, aligning with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, which emphasize the importance of collective action for a better future.
Thomas Asem Awuah
Communication Analyst & Media Practitioner
