The fight against illegal mining, popularly known as “Galamsey” has never been a simple battle. It is a war waged not only against environmental degradation and economic sabotage but also against deeply entrenched networks of corruption, intimidation, and impunity. Recent developments, coupled with tragic incidents, have once again laid bare the lengths to which Galamsey operators are willing to go to protect their illegal enterprise.
Reports of these operators implicating innocent individuals, tracking and threatening frontline workers who refuse to take bribes, and employing ruthless tactics to silence dissent reveal the depth of their desperation. Even more disturbing are the suspicious circumstances surrounding the deaths of certain individuals committed to the anti-Galamsey fight — including the recent military helicopter crash, where contact was lost shortly after departure from Accra to Kumasi. Such events leave lingering questions about whether these tragedies are purely accidental or the result of deliberate sabotage.
The loss of promising young lives in this fight is not just a statistic; it is a national tragedy that demands nothing less than a full-scale, transparent, and independent investigation. If we allow these cases to pass without answers, we risk sending a dangerous signal — that those who stand for justice can be silenced without consequence.
We must demand more from those entrusted with power. Platitudes and political soundbites will not win this war. The fight against Galamsey requires unwavering commitment, transparency, and above all, a robust system of protection for those on the frontline. These men and women put their lives on the line every day to safeguard our environment, our water bodies, and the economic future of generations yet unborn.
To effectively combat this scourge, we must prioritise:
- Protection for Whistleblowers and Frontline Workers – Safety guarantees for those who speak up or enforce the law must be non-negotiable. Fear must never be a tool in the hands of illegal miners.
- Transparency and Accountability – Government agencies must operate with openness, and officials must face consequences for any actions that compromise the anti-Galamsey fight.
- Community Engagement and Education – Lasting change requires that communities understand the dangers of Galamsey and become active participants in resisting it.
- Robust Enforcement Without Fear or Favor – The law must be applied equally, regardless of political connections, financial power, or social influence.
The eradication of Galamsey will not come from half-hearted measures. It will require a united front of government, civil society, local communities, and law enforcement working hand in hand. Anything less would be a betrayal of our national interest.
On this note, I extend my heartfelt condolences to President John Dramani Mahama, the Parliament of Ghana, the leadership of the National Democratic Congress, and the entire nation on the loss of lives in the August 6th tragedy. My prayer is simple yet profound that such a day will never repeat itself in our country’s history.
Galamsey is more than an environmental crime; it is a moral and national crisis. We must treat it as such.
