Playing Politics with Galamsey will not save Our Lands and Water Bodies

The galamsey menace has been a sore spot in Ghana’s development agenda for many years. The degradation of our lands, the pollution of water bodies, and the destruction of communities have caused untold damage. Successive governments have attempted to address this problem, but what has become apparent is that the fight against galamsey has become more political than practical.

In 2018, President Nana Addo Danquah Akufu-Addo pledged to put his presidency on the line to stop galamsey. His government launched several initiatives like 'Operation Vanguard' and 'GalamStop', which were meant to curb illegal mining activities. Security forces were deployed to arrest offenders, confiscate equipment, and burn excavators. While these efforts initially seemed promising, scandals involving some of the task force members surfaced, exposing corruption, bribery, and extortion. These lapses led to widespread criticism and ultimately undermined the fight.

What is even more concerning is how the issue of galamsey has been used as a political football by the major political parties, especially during election campaigns. In 2020, the NDC promised galamsey operators that they would allow them to work freely if voted into power. This populist strategy resonated with galamsey communities, who voted overwhelmingly against the ruling NPP in the 2020 elections. Despite retaining power, the NPP lost all galamsey-prone areas.

As we head towards the 2024 elections, the NDC is once again capitalising on the government’s perceived failure to deal with galamsey. Organised groups, many from towns and cities unaffected by galamsey, have staged demonstrations calling for a complete ban. Professional bodies like UTAG and organised labour have also threatened strikes, demanding that the government declare a state of emergency. These movements may be well-meaning, but they miss the broader picture.

The reality is that about 3 million Ghanaians rely on galamsey for their livelihood. Entire local economies in mining communities thrive on the revenue generated by small-scale mining activities. Additionally, gold exports contribute significantly to our national economy. A blanket ban, without careful thought and planning, would not only cripple these local economies but also worsen unemployment in affected areas.

So, how do we solve this problem without playing politics with the future of our environment and people?

Firstly, any meaningful solution must involve the communities themselves. The government should engage local stakeholders in a dialogue to understand the nuances of their dependence on galamsey and work out sustainable alternatives. Rather than enforcing a heavy-handed ban, we should focus on regularising small-scale mining, ensuring that proper environmental standards are followed. When local miners are educated on sustainable mining practices, it benefits both the environment and their economic well-being.

Secondly, we need stronger oversight and transparency in the operations of any anti-galamsey task force. Corruption within the ranks of those tasked with curbing the menace has proven to be one of the biggest obstacles to success. Setting up independent monitoring teams and creating accountability systems that track the activities of these forces can help reduce the abuse of power.

Finally, investment in alternative livelihood programs is key. While it may be tempting for political parties to promise immediate solutions, the truth is that a sustainable approach will take time. We need to provide training and resources for individuals in mining communities to shift to other productive sectors such as agriculture, eco-tourism, or skilled trades. This is the only way to ensure a long-term transition away from galamsey.

Playing politics with galamsey will only prolong the suffering of our environment and people. As concerned citizens, we must hold both government and opposition accountable to deliver pragmatic, sustainable solutions, rather than empty campaign promises. Ghana’s future depends on it.

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