Unresolved Galamsey Threatens Government’s Political Future – Dr Asah-Asante
Credit: Deborah Okailey Quarcoo
Political Scientist, Dr Asah-Asante, has warned that the government’s inability to effectively deal with illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey, could seriously undermine its political fortunes.
“We also want to see the fight against galamsey. Government cannot renege on its promise to fight galamsey head-on because I can tell you without fear of contradiction that if the government doesn’t fix that problem, it is one of the things that can send the government to opposition,” he stated.
Dr Asah-Asante cited the worsening water situation in parts of the Central Region, particularly Winneba and surrounding communities, as evidence of the growing impact of illegal mining activities.
“I can assure them because if you look at the Central Region now, Winneba and its environs, people are buying a gallon of water for five cedis, and the rest of them. This is not good news because water is life and people need it at all times,” he said.
According to him, the initial determination shown by the government in addressing galamsey appears to be fading, raising concerns among the public.
“The zeal and the passion with which the government started to deal with it appear to me that it is dying down because if you listen to the news in recent times, they are talking about the fact that the government has failed to prosecute people who have crossed the line relative to galamsey,” Dr Asah-Asante noted.
He therefore called on the government to intensify its efforts and take decisive action against offenders.
“If that is anything to go by, then I expect the government to step up its game,” he added.
Dr Asah-Asante further warned that illegal mining continues to threaten public health and the country’s food security through water pollution and contamination.
“Look at the turbidity levels of water and the contamination that we have in terms of the food we consume and export. I believe that the government must sit up and begin to work and work well,” he stressed.
