Presidency: The Control Center of Galamsey!

Water is life. It’s a statement so simple yet profound, capturing the essence of human survival. In Ghana, water is not just a resource; it is a national treasure, vital to agriculture, health, and everyday life. The destruction of the country’s water bodies due to illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey, poses a severe national security risk. It threatens food security, public health, and the environment, leading to unprecedented crises. Yet, under the watch of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the fight against galamsey seems to have been reduced to lip service, and worse, the presidency has morphed into the green room where illegal mining thrives.

Ghana is a country where rivers like the Birim, Pra, and Ankobra once flourished, offering life and sustenance. Today, these water bodies have turned brown and murky, filled with toxic chemicals like mercury and cyanide used by galamsey operators. This is more than just an environmental disaster; it’s a national security emergency. Polluted water sources threaten the livelihood of millions of Ghanaians, putting communities at risk of waterborne diseases and decimating agriculture, a backbone of the nation’s economy. The implications are clear: a population deprived of clean water is vulnerable, and a vulnerable population is a ticking time bomb for instability.

Despite the urgency of the issue, the Nana Addo/Bawumia administration has not only failed to curb galamsey, but it has also found itself entangled in the problem. The government’s conflict of interest in this illegal activity is glaring. Party officials, MMDCEs, and individuals close to the administration have been repeatedly implicated in galamsey operations. Names such as Hajia Alima Mahama, Prof. Frimpong-Boateng, and Hon. Abu Jinapor have surfaced, their reports indicting colleagues and friends within the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP). Yet, these revelations have been conveniently ignored, swept under the rug, as the presidency continues to shield key players in the illicit business.

A prime example is the controversial "Agyapadie" document, which reveals a political agenda deeply rooted in appropriating mining—including galamsey—to serve the interests of the Akyem Agyapa inheritance agenda (Agyapadie, pg. 9). This exposes a dangerous marriage between political power and illegal mining, where economic interests of a few trump national concerns. The government's inability to act on this is no accident; it is by design. The elephant in the room is quite literally the ruling Elephant Party, compromised and unwilling to act.

The situation is further compounded by selective enforcement of mining laws. While small-scale miners and laborers, often from opposition strongholds, are harassed, arrested, and jailed, the politically connected masterminds of galamsey remain untouched. This hypocrisy is not lost on Ghanaians. The promise to regularize the mining sector has become a farce, and the laws that govern mining have been rendered impotent. The system is skewed in favor of the rich and powerful, while those at the bottom are left to suffer the consequences.

The presidency, which should be at the forefront of the fight against galamsey, is compromised. The security agencies, meant to protect the nation’s resources, have been infiltrated and co-opted by those they should be prosecuting. Without the political will to tackle this menace, it is no surprise that the fight against galamsey has become a failed mission. The government, despite its promises, has proven to be the control center of the illegal mining epidemic.

This is where Parliament must step in. The legislative body has a crucial role to play in rescuing the nation from this quagmire. Parliament must demand accountability from the executive and provide hope for Ghanaians. The Fourth Estate, the media, has also taken great risks in exposing the devastating effects of galamsey, and they must be supported in their efforts. Lives are at stake, and the survival of future generations depends on it.

Ghana cannot afford to fail in the fight against illegal mining. The repercussions are too great, from the destruction of natural resources to the loss of livelihoods and the risk to national security. The presidency has shown that it cannot be trusted to lead this battle. It is now up to Parliament, civil society, and the people of Ghana to hold those in power accountable. Mother Ghana deserves better.

Ebenezer Ato Ntarkurfah Jackson, Cornell University MBA Class of 2015, [email protected]