Convener of the Media Coalition Against Illegal Mining, Dr. Ken Ashigbey, has warned that Ghana’s fight against illegal mining will continue to suffer unless political interference is eliminated and the law is applied equally to everyone, regardless of political affiliation.
Speaking on JoyNews’ Super Morning Show on Wednesday, July 16, Dr. Ashigbey criticized both the previous and current governments for a lack of political courage to deal decisively with individuals involved in illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.
According to him, successive administrations have failed to hold politically connected illegal miners accountable, allowing the destruction of forests, rivers, and farmlands to continue unchecked.
Dr. Ashigbey said claims that illegal miners aligned with one political party have merely been replaced by those associated with another highlight a deeper governance problem rather than a change in the nature of the illegal mining business.
He argued that the real challenge is the continued protection allegedly enjoyed by individuals with political connections, making it difficult for law enforcement agencies to act independently and effectively.
“The issue is not whether they are linked to the NDC or the NPP. The real problem is that politically exposed persons continue to enjoy protection while our natural resources are destroyed,” he stressed.
Dr. Ashigbey warned that unless governments demonstrate the political will to prosecute offenders without fear or favor, efforts to eliminate galamsey will remain unsuccessful despite repeated anti-illegal mining campaigns.
He urged the government to ensure that the country’s environmental laws are enforced fairly and consistently, insisting that political loyalty should never be used as a shield against accountability.
The anti-galamsey campaigner also called on Ghanaians to reject misinformation surrounding the fight against illegal mining and instead support constructive national dialogue aimed at protecting the environment.
He commended the media, civil society organizations, and environmental advocacy groups for sustaining public attention on the devastating impact of illegal mining on Ghana’s water bodies, forests, and agricultural lands.
Dr. Ashigbey further expressed concern over what he described as the silence of sections of the political class and influential members of society, arguing that many people who understand the severity of the environmental crisis have chosen to remain silent because of partisan interests or personal relationships.
He warned that continued inaction could have serious long-term consequences for future generations, stressing that Ghana cannot continue sacrificing its natural resources for short-term political gains.
Calling for a united national response, Dr. Ashigbey said the time has come for the government, political parties, traditional authorities, civil society organizations, and citizens to work together to protect the country’s forests and water bodies from the growing threat of illegal mining.
