Physician and political activist, Dr. Arthur Kennedy, has strongly criticized Ghana’s major political parties for their lack of commitment in addressing the country’s ongoing illegal mining crisis, known as galamsey. Dr. Kennedy argued that the reluctance to tackle galamsey stems from vested interests within the political establishment, particularly among Members of Parliament and party elders who are either involved in or finance illegal mining operations.
Speaking on Joy News on Saturday, October 19, 2024, Dr. Kennedy expressed his deep frustration over the political parties’ failure to address this urgent issue, which continues to devastate Ghana’s environment. “Unless these influential figures are sanctioned, the menace will persist,” he said, referring to the widespread involvement of political elites in galamsey activities. Dr. Kennedy’s statements came at a time when various advocacy groups and citizens have been calling for stronger government intervention to stop the destruction of Ghana’s water bodies, land, and forests due to illegal mining.
Illegal mining has long been a pressing issue in Ghana, with galamsey operations posing serious threats to the country’s natural resources. Despite promises by successive governments to clamp down on these activities, the problem continues to escalate, with little action taken against those involved. According to Dr. Kennedy, this inaction can be traced back to political interests. He believes that many within the ruling parties benefit financially from illegal mining and, as a result, lack the motivation to enforce meaningful reforms.
Dr. Kennedy did not hold back in calling out the political establishment, claiming that without real consequences for those funding these operations, the fight against galamsey will continue to be an uphill battle. “Let’s find the big people who are funding them, arrest them, and sentence them to prison,” he stated, pointing directly at party elders and members of parliament as key players in the illegal mining network.
His remarks echo the growing frustration felt by many Ghanaians who have witnessed the environmental and social impacts of illegal mining first-hand. Rivers polluted with chemicals, farmlands destroyed, and entire communities displaced are just a few of the consequences of unchecked galamsey operations. Dr. Kennedy stressed that Ghana cannot afford to ignore these issues any longer and called for immediate and decisive action.
In an attempt to push for a resolution, Dr. Kennedy revealed that he had twice appealed to Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II to intervene and engage with key political parties on this matter. The Asantehene, a highly respected traditional leader, has significant influence in Ghana and is often seen as a mediator in national crises. Dr. Kennedy urged the Asantehene to bring political stakeholders together to address the galamsey problem with the seriousness it demands.
“I have already appealed twice to the Asantehene to reach out to the key parties and solve this,” Dr. Kennedy stated during his interview. He reiterated that overcoming the galamsey crisis would require more than just political rhetoric. It demands extraordinary measures and the political will to enforce them. Dr. Kennedy believes that the only way forward is to adopt a firm approach that targets the root causes of illegal mining, including the powerful individuals who profit from it.
His call for extraordinary measures suggests that he believes the traditional methods of dealing with galamsey, such as task forces and government committees, have failed to produce lasting results. In Dr. Kennedy’s view, these approaches have merely skirted around the issue without addressing the core problem: the involvement of high-profile political figures. “If we want to solve the problem, we must go to the source and solve it,” he stressed. “But none of the political parties will solve it.”
Dr. Kennedy’s criticism of political parties underscores a growing sentiment in Ghana that the fight against illegal mining has been hampered by conflicting interests within the political system. Many believe that the lack of progress is due to the protection and influence wielded by those involved in galamsey at the highest levels of power. This creates a cycle in which illegal mining continues unchecked, and the consequences are felt most acutely by ordinary citizens and the environment.
The activist’s remarks have reignited public debate about the future of Ghana’s fight against galamsey and the political will to carry it through. With the 2024 general elections approaching, the issue of illegal mining is likely to remain a key talking point for many voters, especially those in regions directly affected by galamsey activities. Dr. Kennedy’s appeal for bold, decisive action may resonate with those who are tired of the lack of real progress in tackling this environmental crisis.
As calls for stronger measures grow, Dr. Kennedy’s suggestions to hold those responsible accountable — including influential political figures — could be seen as a necessary step in breaking the cycle of corruption and inaction that has plagued the fight against galamsey for years. Whether or not his appeals will be heeded remains to be seen, but his message is clear: without genuine commitment from political leaders, the crisis will continue, and the damage to Ghana’s environment will only worsen.
