Convener of the Media Coalition Against Illegal Mining, Dr Ken Ashigbey, has criticised both the previous and current governments over what he describes as a lack of political will to confront politically connected individuals involved in illegal mining, warning that Ghana’s fight against galamsey will continue to fail unless political interference is eliminated.
Speaking on Joy FM’s Super Morning Show on Wednesday, July 16, Dr Ashigbey said successive governments have failed to demonstrate the commitment needed to tackle illegal mining, accusing political actors of shielding their supporters instead of enforcing the law.
According to him, claims that illegal miners aligned with the previous New Patriotic Party (NPP) administration have simply been replaced by those associated with the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) highlight a deeper problem of political interference rather than a change in the nature of the illegal mining industry.
He argued that the key issue is not which political party is in power but the state’s failure to hold politically connected individuals accountable.
Dr Ashigbey noted that many of the people engaging in violent illegal mining activities do so because they believe they enjoy political protection, rather than because of a change in government. He urged the government to confront the menace without fear or favour, insisting that Ghana cannot afford to politicise the fight against environmental destruction.
He also called on Ghanaians to disregard misinformation and instead promote constructive public engagement on the issue.
Dr Ashigbey commended sections of the media, civil society organisations and anti-galamsey campaigners for sustaining public attention on the environmental crisis.
Warning about the long-term consequences of inaction, he said Ghana’s natural resources are being depleted at an alarming rate and stressed that the country cannot continue sacrificing its forests and water bodies for short-term political interests.
He further criticised what he described as the silence of sections of the political class and the middle class, arguing that many people who understand the gravity of the crisis have chosen to remain silent because of partisan loyalties or personal interests.
“The time for compromise is over,” Dr Ashigbey said, urging government, civil society, the media and the public to unite in protecting Ghana’s forests and water bodies from illegal mining.
