Open Secret: NPP waiting for Mahama to fail Galamsey fight, and they jubilate for 2028

Unfortunately, Galamsey Politics is real in Ghana (see my previous publication: https://www.modernghana.com/news/1341919/galamsey-politics-in-ghana-dr-naahs-take.html, 16. September 2024 ).

The ongoing battle against illegal small-scale mining, commonly known as Galamsey, has been a persistent challenge for Ghana. Eight years ago, the previous NPP government, led by former President Akufo-Addo and former Vice President Dr. Bawumia, attempted to tackle this issue but ultimately failed.

Despite establishing the Inter-ministerial Committee on Illegal Mining (IMCIM) and launching military campaigns, the Akufo-Addo-Bawumia administration fell short in its efforts. The President even staked his reputation on the fight against Galamsey, but the results were disappointing, as evidenced by the situation in 2024.

Ironically, it was during the Akufo-Addo-Bawumia administration that traditional Galamsey evolved into what I term "High-Tech Galamsey" (HTG), with devastating environmental consequences. Additionally, the passage of Legislative Instrument (LI) 2462 by the 8th Parliament allowed increased mining in Ghana's biodiversity-rich forest reserves. This decision led to severe damage to about 47 forest reserves due to HTG operations.

The NPP's failure to effectively combat Galamsey also had political repercussions. In 2017, the party won 169 parliamentary seats, which dropped to 137 seats in 2020 thanks to a "magic Independent Seat" from the Fomena Constituency to maintain its majority in the 8^th Parliament. By 2024, the NPP experienced its worst electoral performance in the Fourth Republic, securing only 88 seats in this 9^th Parliament, some of which are still under legal dispute.

The NPP has often blamed its electoral losses on its efforts to fight Galamsey, particularly in mining areas. However, this claim is only partially true. The party's half-hearted and insincere approach to the fight, as highlighted in Prof. Frimpong-Boateng's 2019 report, coupled with poor economic management, were significant factors in its decline. The selective prosecution of Chinese and local Galamsey operators, as well as the controversial burning of excavators, further alienated voters.

Now, with the NDC back in power under President Mahama, the challenge of combating HTG operations is even more daunting. The Mahama-led government must avoid the mistakes of its predecessor and adopt a more systematic and sustained approach to address this environmental crisis.

President Mahama has the opportunity to succeed where the previous government failed, but this will require urgent and decisive action. The fight against Galamsey must be a cornerstone of President Mahama’s ‘Resetting Agenda for Ghana’. Sustainable development cannot be achieved without environmental sustainability, and winning this fight is crucial for both the country's future and the NDC's political fortunes.

The NPP is eagerly waiting for the Mahama administration to fail in its Galamsey fight, hoping to capitalize on it for the 2028 elections. However, with better planning and genuine commitment, the NDC can turn the tide and secure a victory for Ghana's environment and its people.

There is, therefore, the need for the NDC to use the nudge theory to appeal to Ghanaians to buy into a well-planned and systematic approach to dealing with this HTG matter.

A word to the wise is enough.