Former Chairman of National Development Planning Commission (NDPC), Prof Stephen Adei, has call on President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to declare a national emergency on illegal mining famously known as ‘galamsey’.
During the 25th-anniversary lecture of the DVLA in Accra on September 4, 2024, Prof. Adei advocated for President Akufo-Addo to declare a national emergency to combat the illegal mining crisis, emphasizing its severe environmental impact.
This declaration would grant the President extraordinary powers to effectively address the issue, which Prof. Adei characterized as a massive environmental degradation problem.
“Galamsey is a major reflection of political, traditional and security leadership failure in this country,” he said.
Prof. Adei, a former Rector of GIMPA, emphasized the alarming extent of galamsey’s destruction, which has ravaged forests, farmlands, water bodies, and natural resources, posing a significant threat to public health and the nation’s future.
He cited the devastating example of River Gimi, a primary water source for Obuasi and surrounding communities, which has been completely destroyed due to galamsey.
Prof. Adei praised Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II for taking bold action against chiefs involved in galamsey, by destooling them, and encouraged others to follow suit in combating this environmental menace.
“Currently, River Gimi that supplies water to Obuasi is being totally destroyed at its headwaters just a few meters from the Adansihene’s residence in Hwiremoase,” he said.
“I hope the Asantehene in his sterling leadership will not stop at destooling chiefs found to be engaging or supporting galamsey. He must continue and eventually declare Asanteman galamsey free zone,” he added.
Prof. Adei recommended that, following the declaration of a state of emergency, the government should hold accountable and prosecute those who finance or support illegal mining activities.
Additionally, he advocated for a comprehensive program to provide alternative employment opportunities for young people involved in galamsey, or to enable them to engage in legal mining practices, thereby addressing the root causes of the problem and offering a sustainable solution.
“The young men and women caught in galamsey must be encouraged and trained. Of course, they can go back and engage in lawful mining, but the mining should not be at the expense of the environment,” he said.
The galamsey crisis has escalated into a national emergency, causing widespread devastation to water sources, forests, and agricultural lands.
Despite previous governments’ inability to address the issue, President Akufo-Addo vowed to tackle illegal mining head-on when he took office in 2017, even risking his own presidency to ensure its eradication.
Despite President Akufo-Addo’s initial commitment to combat illegal mining, the government’s efforts over the past seven years have yielded little success, as galamsey activities continue unabated.
Allegations of corruption and involvement of high-ranking officials have marred the fight, leading to criticism from civil society groups.
With the general elections looming in three months, the galamsey issue has become a contentious campaign topic, with the two main political parties engaging in a blame game, each accusing the other of inaction or complicity.
