Unearthing Ghana’s Dual Crisis: The economic and galamsey mess

Ghana stands at a crossroads. The Akufo-Addo-Bawumia administration has left behind not just an economic quagmire but also an environmental catastrophe in the form of unchecked galamsey (illegal small-scale mining).

As the Mahama-Opoku-Agyemang government steps in to clean up the mess, it is imperative that both crises are addressed with urgency and resolve. The economic and environmental challenges are intertwined, and solving one without the other will only lead to half-baked solutions.

The Economic Mess: A Legacy of Mismanagement

The economic landscape inherited by the current administration led by President Mahama is nothing short of dire. Under the previous government, Ghana’s national debt ballooned from GHC 122 billion to a staggering GHC 761 billion within 8 years under former President Akufo-Addo.

This reckless fiscal mismanagement, spearheaded by former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta, forced the country to seek a $3 billion bailout from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for the 17th time in our history.

To make matters worse, Ghanaians were subjected to a draconian Domestic Debt Exchange Program (DDEP), while being burdened with a slew of nuisance taxes—e-levy, emission tax, and COVID tax, to name a few as well as the closure of several domestic banks and financial institutions.

These measures, coupled with deplorable road networks and a poorly implemented Free SHS program, have left the economy in shambles and the citizenry disillusioned.

The Galamsey Mess: An Environmental Catastrophe

While the economic crisis has dominated headlines, the galamsey menace has quietly wreaked havoc on Ghana’s environment. Our forest reserves and water bodies have been disproportionately affected by illegal mining activities, enabled by increasingly sophisticated technology.

The statistics are alarming: 47 forest reserves have been severely degraded, and the turbidity levels of major rivers like the Pra, Ankobra, and Birim have soared beyond acceptable limits. Aquatic life has been decimated, and cocoa farms—once the backbone of our agricultural sector—have been destroyed in the relentless pursuit of gold.

The environmental degradation caused by galamsey is not just an ecological crisis; it is a threat to our food security, public health, and long-term economic stability.

Unearthing the Mess: A Call for Comprehensive Solutions

The Mahama-Opoku-Agyemang government has taken commendable steps to address the economic crisis. A few weeks ago, a national economic dialogue was convened to solicit alternative views from critical stakeholders.

Additionally, a preparatory team for the Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL) program has submitted its findings to the President, paving the way for action on the gargantuan corruption scandals that plagued the previous administration. These efforts are crucial in unearthing the economic mess and charting a path to recovery.

However, the same level of urgency and comprehensive action is needed to tackle the galamsey crisis. Unfortunately, there has been no immediate national dialogue or concerted effort to address this environmental menace. This is a missed opportunity. A national dialogue on galamsey would not only expose the saboteurs who profit from these illegal activities but also provide a platform for diverse voices to contribute to lasting solutions.

The Way Forward: Sustainable Development Requires Environmental Stewardship

Ghana cannot achieve sustainable economic and social development if we continue to neglect and destroy our natural environment. The galamsey crisis is not just an environmental issue; it is a development issue.

The destruction of our forests and water bodies undermines our agricultural productivity, threatens our water supply, and exacerbates poverty in rural communities.

To unearth the galamsey mess, we must adopt a multi-pronged approach:

1. National Dialogue on Galamsey: A comprehensive national dialogue involving traditional leaders, mining communities, environmental experts, and policymakers is essential. This will help identify the root causes of the problem and foster collective ownership of the solutions.

2. Strengthening Law Enforcement: The government must invest in the capacity of law enforcement agencies to crack down on illegal mining activities. This includes providing them with the necessary resources and technology to monitor and enforce mining regulations effectively.

3. Community Engagement and Alternative Livelihoods: Many individuals involved in galamsey are driven by economic desperation. Providing alternative livelihoods through sustainable agriculture, agro-processing, and other income-generating activities can help reduce the reliance on illegal mining.

4. Environmental Restoration: A concerted effort must be made to restore degraded lands and water bodies. This will require collaboration between the government, private sector, and local communities.

Conclusion: A Call to Action!

The dual crises of economic mismanagement and environmental degradation are a wake-up call for Ghana. This Mahama-Opoku-Agyemang government has a historic opportunity to unearth these messes and lay the foundation for a sustainable future. However, this will require bold leadership, inclusive dialogue, and a commitment to long-term solutions.

As citizens, we must also play our part. We cannot afford to be passive observers as our economy and environment are destroyed. We all need to build Ghana to be economically resilient, environmentally sustainable, and socially just for the present and future generations.