Minority Leader Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson has sounded an alarm on the critical challenges facing Ghana due to the widespread illegal mining activities, commonly referred to as galamsey.
Addressing Parliament in Accra on Tuesday, Dr. Forson highlighted the devastating environmental and economic consequences of galamsey, which he noted is crippling communities across the country. He attributed this crisis to a combination of leadership failures and official complicity, particularly blaming the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia-led New Patriotic Party (NPP) government for its lack of political will in addressing the issue.
Dr. Forson expressed grave concern over the environmental degradation caused by galamsey, pointing to the destruction of forests, farmlands, and water bodies. He stressed that the damage is not only an environmental disaster but also an economic one, as the affected communities struggle to recover from the havoc wreaked on their livelihoods. With water sources polluted and agricultural lands rendered useless, local economies are collapsing, and the future of these communities looks increasingly bleak.
The Minority Leader was clear in his assessment that the situation has been allowed to escalate due to the failures of leadership at the highest levels. He accused the current administration of lacking the resolve to tackle galamsey head-on, despite the severe consequences for the country’s natural resources and its people. Dr. Forson was particularly critical of what he described as official complicity in the illegal mining activities, suggesting that key figures within the government have turned a blind eye or, worse, actively enabled the continuation of galamsey operations.
“Mr. Speaker, we are at a crisis point,” Dr. Forson stated, his voice filled with urgency as he addressed the legislative body. “At the heart of this crisis is leadership failure, official complicity, and lack of political will by the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia NPP government,” he added, leaving no doubt about where he places the blame for the current situation.
Dr. Forson went on to explain that the failure of leadership has emboldened illegal miners and those who profit from their activities, leading to an almost unmanageable crisis. He argued that the lack of enforcement of laws and regulations, coupled with the involvement of high-ranking officials, has made it difficult for any real progress to be made in curbing galamsey. The result, he warned, is a looming disaster for future generations, who will inherit a country stripped of its natural wealth and left with an environment in ruin.
The Minority Leader’s speech was a call to action, urging Parliament and the wider public to hold the government accountable for its inaction on this issue. He stressed that the stakes are too high for inaction to continue, pointing to the irreversible damage being done to the environment and the economy. “Rt. Hon Speaker, to do nothing is no longer an option,” he declared passionately. “This House must rise to the occasion and bring the necessary pressure to bear on the government to act.”
Dr. Forson urged his fellow parliamentarians to take their responsibilities seriously, reminding them that they have a duty to the people of Ghana to protect the country’s natural resources and ensure a sustainable future. He called for immediate and decisive action to combat galamsey, including stronger enforcement of existing laws, the prosecution of those involved in illegal mining, and greater transparency in the management of Ghana’s natural resources.
The Minority Leader was adamant that the fight against galamsey must begin with leadership, stressing that without strong leadership and accountability, efforts to combat the menace will continue to falter. He called on President Akufo-Addo and Vice President Bawumia to take the issue more seriously and demonstrate the political will necessary to address the crisis. “The time for excuses is over,” Dr. Forson said. “The government must act now to protect the environment and the future of this country.”
Dr. Forson’s speech comes at a time when the issue of illegal mining has become a national crisis, with calls from various sectors of society for stronger action to be taken. Environmentalists, civil society groups, and affected communities have all raised their voices in protest, demanding an end to the destruction caused by galamsey. The government, however, has faced criticism for its perceived lack of action, with many accusing it of prioritizing political considerations over environmental protection.
As the debate over galamsey continues, it remains to be seen whether the government will heed the calls for stronger action. For now, Dr. Forson’s message is clear: the time for talking is over, and the time for action has arrived. He has challenged Parliament and the government to rise to the occasion and take the necessary steps to address the galamsey crisis before it is too late.
In the meantime, the people of Ghana, particularly those in communities devastated by illegal mining, are left to hope that the government will finally take the decisive action needed to bring an end to the scourge of galamsey and protect the country’s natural heritage for future generations.
