KEY POINTS
- The Small-Scale Miners Association alleges that NPP appointees are behind illegal mining (galamsey) and river pollution.
- The group blames political interference for the worsening water pollution in Ghana’s rivers.
- They call for stricter measures and accountability to protect the country’s water bodies from further destruction.
The Small-Scale Miners Association of Ghana has openly alleged that some government officials from the NPP are involved in the galamsey that has led to the pollution of many rivers in the country. The association has accused politicians of continuing to perpetrate environmental degradation by providing security to the miners.
The allegations are made at a time when the country is still struggling to deal with the menace of galamsey, which has heavily polluted water bodies and contributed immensely to the degradation of the environment. The Small-Scale Miners Association has also said that while the government has been trying to fight the menace, corruption and political influence are still a major problem.
Political interference exacerbates environmental problem
The leaders of the Small-Scale Miners Association recently complained to the media about the absence of political will to fight the galamsey menace. They claim that some government officials do not only turn a blind eye to the activities of the illegal miners but also engage in or shield the activities of the illegitimate miners.
“The pollution of our rivers is not only being carried out by ordinary illegal miners but some people with power,” the association’s spokesperson said. The group also alleges that these officials facilitate the continued practice of illegal mining in the country in exchange for some consideration.
As GhanaWeb has informed, the Small-Scale Miners Association demands to take urgent measures to prevent these actions, as the water in the rivers, including Pra, Ankobra, and Birim, is highly contaminated. These rivers that was once source of drinking water and irrigation is now laden with poisonous substances produced by illegal miners such as mercury and cyanide.
Demand for more rigorous policies and responsibility
The association has called on the government to increase its fight against the practice of illegal mining through arresting and prosecuting officials involved in the vice and putting in place measures. They think that until those in politics who are involved in the galamsey operations are arrested and brought to book, the situation will not change.
“Our rivers are dying, and so is the livelihood of many Ghanaians who depend on them for water and agriculture,” the spokesperson said. The association pointed out that the continued degradation of the country’s water bodies is a serious threat to the health of the people and the environment.
Galamsey has been a problem in Ghana for years and previous governments have also failed to address the problem of water pollution. But the Small-Scale Miners Association says the situation has rather deteriorated under the current government because some NPP appointees are involved in the business.
Government response
The government has not directly reacted to these allegations but recently stepped up its fight against galamsey through military action and enhanced mining laws. The government has time and again pledged its determination to fight the menace of illegal mining and reclaim the nation’s water sources.
For the past years, the administration has introduced what is commonly referred to as the “Operation Vanguard” task force and its main function mostly focuses on the fight against illegal mining. Also, it has put in place several measures that it has sought to use to control the sector and promote sustainable mining.
But according to the Small-Scale Miners Association, these measures will continue to fail due to political interferences. They call on President Nana Akufo-Addo and other top officials to act against those involved in the activities.
