Convener of the Media Coalition Against Illegal Mining

warns galamsey fight will fail without end to political interference

Dr Ken Ashigbey, Convener of the Media Coalition Against Illegal Mining, has criticised both the previous and current governments over their inability to confront politically connected individuals involved in illegal mining.

“The time for compromise is over,” he said, urging all stakeholders to unite in protecting the country's forests and water bodies from illegal mining activities.

Dr Ashigbey accused political actors of shielding their supporters instead of enforcing the law and noted that allegations that illegal miners linked to the previous administration have been replaced by those aligned with the current government point to a deeper problem of political interference.

He argued that many of the individuals currently using violence to engage in illegal mining are not necessarily acting because of a change in government, but because politically connected actors continue to feel protected.

He further criticized the silence of sections of the political and middle class, saying many people who understand the gravity of the problem have chosen to remain quiet because of partisan or personal interests.

Dr Ashigbey also commended sections of the media, civil society organisations, and anti-galamsey campaigners for keeping national attention on the environmental crisis.

The single sharpest fact in the galamsey fight is that the country cannot afford to politicise the fight against environmental destruction, and Ghana's natural resources are being depleted at an alarming rate.

Dr Ken Ashigbey, a notable Ghanaian media personality, has been at the forefront of the galamsey fight, and his conviction stems from his experience and understanding of the issue.

Dr Ashigbey, who leads the anti-galamsey advocacy, has been vocal about the need for accountability in the fight against illegal mining, and his warnings of the long-term consequences of inaction are a stark reminder of the urgency of the situation.

Ghana's president and government have been called out to demonstrate the political will to tackle illegal mining activities, and the recent trend of replacing one set of galamsey miners with another has raised concerns about the true intentions of the state.

The Ghanaian government has been tasked with the responsibility of enforcing the law without fear or favour, and Dr Ashigbey's call for unity in protecting the country's resources is a timely reminder of the importance of working together to address this critical issue.

The current situation in Ghana highlights the need for accountability and the importance of working together to protect the country's natural resources.

The galamsey fight is not just a matter of replacing one set of miners with another, but it is a fight for the very survival of the country's environment, and Dr Ashigbey's warnings are a reminder that the consequences of inaction will be far-reaching and devastating.

The government has an opportunity to prove its commitment to addressing this critical issue by enforcing the law without fear or favour and demonstrating the political will to tackle the root causes of galamsey.

### Key Facts

  • Convener of the Media Coalition Against Illegal Mining says the country's fight against galamsey will fail unless political interference ends
  • Accused political actors of shielding their supporters instead of enforcing the law
  • Said allegations of 'NDC illegal miners' replacing 'NPP illegal miners' point to deeper problem of political interference
  • Noted that individuals currently using violence in galamsey activities are not necessarily acting because of a change in government
  • Called on government to confront galamsey without fear or favour
  • Emphasised that the country cannot afford to politicise the fight against environmental destruction
  • Warned of the long-term consequences of inaction on the environment

### Context

The galamsey fight has been a contentious issue in Ghana for years, with many people calling for the government to take a more robust approach to addressing the problem.

The country's natural resources are being depleted at an alarming rate, and the consequences of inaction will be far-reaching and devastating. The recent trend of replacing one set of galamsey miners with another has raised concerns about the true intentions of the state.

The government has an opportunity to prove its commitment to addressing this critical issue by enforcing the law without fear or favour and demonstrating the political will to tackle the root causes of galamsey.

The time for compromise is over, and all stakeholders must unite in protecting the country's resources from illegal mining activities.

Ghana cannot afford to politicise the fight against environmental destruction, and the long-term consequences of inaction will be devastating.