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Gabby Otchere-Darko, a key figure in the New Patriotic Party (NPP), recently shared an official 1955 report on X to highlight the long-standing struggle against illegal mining, known locally as galamsey.
The post has drawn attention, with Otchere-Darko arguing that illegal mining is not a new issue but a persistent challenge. This perspective has sparked mixed reactions among Ghanaians, some of whom believe that his comments deflect responsibility from the current government’s unfulfilled promise to tackle galamsey effectively.
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When Nana Akufo-Addo took office, he vowed to end galamsey, even stating he would put his presidency on the line. Initiatives such as Operation Halt, new regulations, and a ban on mining in restricted areas were introduced, but these measures have yet to yield sustained results. Major rivers, including the Pra and Oti, have suffered severe pollution, threatening water supply and environmental stability. The Ghana Water Company Limited has cautioned that continued inaction could lead to a water crisis in some regions.
The post by Otchere-Darko, suggesting that galamsey is a long-term issue beyond the current administration, has fueled public discontent. Many feel it is an attempt to absolve the government of responsibility for an ongoing environmental crisis. Some critics, especially on social media, argue that focusing on past attempts to curb illegal mining detracts from the urgency of current solutions, as citizens have witnessed repeated damage to ecosystems and forest reserves. Protesters have urged the government to take more decisive action, with some calling for a suspension of small-scale mining to allow water bodies to recover. However, the government has resisted such a ban due to the economic significance of gold exports.
The galamsey issue has also become a point of political contention between the ruling NPP and the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), each blaming the other for not doing enough to address the menace. In response to recent criticisms, the government has announced a review of its approach to illegal mining, calling on all stakeholders to work together to combat the deeply rooted practice and its severe impact on Ghana’s natural resources.
