Dr Ken Ashigbey, Convenor of the Media Coalition Against Galamsey, has expressed surprise at President John Dramani Mahama’s failure to declare a state of emergency over the illegal mining crisis known as galamsey.
He noted that during their time in opposition, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) agreed with the Ghana Coalition Against Galamsey that declaring a state of emergency was one of the most effective ways to combat this issue.
However, since assuming the presidency, Mahama has not shown interest in pursuing that agreement.
In an interview on Joy FM on Monday, March 10, Dr Ashigbey mentioned that the coalition had sent a letter to the President that has not yet received a response. “In the letter, we reminded the President about the state of emergency that the NDC supported while in opposition, but we have not heard back,” he lamented.
He questioned, “You supported our call for a state of emergency while in opposition, so what is stopping you from declaring it now?”
Politically exposed individuals
Dr Ashigbey also out the involvement of politically exposed individuals in galamsey activities. “The elephant in the room is the politically connected people who are engaged in this. I would have expected more decisive action from His Excellency, the President,” he stated.
He referenced specific cases where key political figures had been accused of involvement in illegal mining but faced no immediate consequences. “For instance, when the Aowin MP was identified by traditional authorities as being involved in galamsey, and he denied the allegations, one would expect that His Excellency, the President, who on July 7 said he would not tolerate the kingpins, would have ordered a public investigation into that matter.”
Reclaiming damaged lands
Dr Ashigbey highlighted that the cost of reclaiming land damaged by illegal mining is approximately $40,000 per hectare. He emphasized the serious issues arising from poisoning, diseases, and loss of life, stating that these matters are extremely troubling.
