Dr. Kenneth Ashigbey, Convener of the Media Coalition Against Illegal Mining, has urged President John Mahama to take more visible and decisive action in addressing the issue of illegal mining (galamsey) in Ghana.
Ashigbey emphasized that as the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Head of Government, and leader of his political party, President Mahama must provide clear and open leadership on the issue, especially given his campaign promises to tackle the kingpins behind galamsey.
Speaking in an interview with Nana Yaw Kesseh on PeaceFM's "Kokrokoo" Morning Show, he stressed that the President must not only act behind the scenes but also make a public commitment to demonstrate that he is not shielding any wrongdoers involved in the illegal mining industry.
“If the President does not take such a stand, things will spiral out of control,” Ashigbey warned. “Even though he may be addressing the issue privately, he must do so openly to assure Ghanaians that he is truly committed to fighting galamsey.”
Ashigbey expressed his disappointment, particularly considering that the National Democratic Congress (NDC), under Mahama’s leadership, was at the forefront of calling for action against galamsey when they were in opposition. He recalled how the party had demanded a state of emergency to tackle the issue decisively at the time.
He went on to say, "It is crucial that the state of emergency be declared to deal with galamsey in a firm and effective manner. If the government does not take decisive action against the political figures involved, restoring the water bodies will not be sustainable."
Ashigbey lamented that, so far, there has been a lack of the necessary decisiveness from the government in addressing the political class’s involvement in illegal mining.
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