Dr. Nana Ayew Afriye, the Member of Parliament for Effiduase-Asokore, has sought to clarify his recent comments regarding the government’s stance on small-scale mining, which have ignited significant backlash from various advocacy groups and the public.
The controversy began with a video recorded during a campaign event on September 27, where Dr. Afriye suggested that the New Patriotic Party (NPP) government would not implement a ban on small-scale mining. His remarks were interpreted by many as an indication of the government’s lack of commitment to addressing illegal small-scale mining, commonly referred to as “galamsey.”
In light of the uproar, Dr. Afriye contended that his statements were misinterpreted and taken out of context. The video quickly attracted widespread attention, with advocacy groups condemning the government’s perceived leniency towards illegal mining practices. These organizations emphasized the severe environmental degradation associated with galamsey, calling for stronger action to curb the detrimental effects on the environment and local communities.
In an interview with Eyewitness News on September 30, Dr. Afriye reiterated that his original comments had been misreported and stressed the importance of distinguishing between responsible small-scale mining operations and those that are harmful to the environment. He expressed frustration over how his words were presented, claiming they were truncated to convey a misleading narrative.
“So, what the TV3 people did was that when I said we will not stop today or tomorrow, they actually truncated and doctored it out and then made it look like all I said was we are not doing anything about galamsey and we will not stop today or tomorrow. That is a misrepresentation; it actually put me out of context,” he stated during the interview.
Dr. Afriye emphasized his commitment to principles regarding small-scale mining, acknowledging that while there are irresponsible practices, there are also responsible small-scale mining operations that deserve to be recognized. “That is actually why many people will wonder if Ayew Afriye will stand on principle, and as I am speaking with you, I still stand on the basic principle that there are irresponsible small-scale mining and there are responsible small-scale mining. We cannot put a ban on small-scale mining; that is not fair,” he clarified.
He further elaborated on his perspective, using fishing as an analogy. “That is to say that in the southern belt, along the coast, in the river bodies and the Volta Lake, people are doing irresponsible fishing. They use DDT and dynamite, and we are aware, but the state agency is after the illegal ones. Does that mean that we would ban all fishing in the south?” he added. This analogy was intended to highlight the complexity of the issue and the need for a nuanced approach rather than a blanket ban.
Amidst this controversy, organized labour groups have announced their intention to meet on October 1, 2024, to discuss a possible course of action following the government’s failure to address their demand for a total ban on all forms of small-scale mining.
These groups are considering whether to initiate a nationwide strike or demonstration as a means of expressing their dissatisfaction with the government’s current stance on illegal mining.
The ongoing discourse surrounding small-scale mining in Ghana is indicative of the larger struggle between economic activities and environmental conservation. As communities grapple with the effects of galamsey, which has led to the destruction of water bodies and land degradation, the call for a decisive government response grows louder.
Activists argue that the government must prioritize environmental protection to safeguard the health and livelihoods of its citizens.
Dr. Afriye’s comments have sparked a debate about the role of government regulation in small-scale mining and the responsibilities of miners to conduct their operations sustainably.
The distinction he made between responsible and irresponsible mining practices is a crucial aspect of this conversation, as it raises questions about how best to support legitimate miners while cracking down on illegal activities.
As discussions continue, it is clear that the government will need to navigate a complex landscape of economic interests and environmental concerns.
The outcome of the organized labour meeting could significantly influence public sentiment and government policy moving forward. Stakeholders from various sectors, including the mining industry, environmental advocacy groups, and local communities, will be closely watching how the situation unfolds in the coming weeks.
The controversy surrounding Dr. Afriye’s comments serves as a reminder of the critical importance of transparent communication and responsible governance in addressing the challenges posed by small-scale mining in Ghana.
As public pressure mounts for a more robust response to illegal mining activities, the government will need to balance the need for economic development with the imperative of protecting the environment for future generations.
