A political scientist at the University of Ghana, Dr. Asah Asante has said that both the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP) are afraid to talk about illegal mining popularly known as ‘galamsey’.
According to Dr. Asante, the two political parties especially the ruling party; NPP fear that voters who are into the activity will vote against them.
This comes after business mogul and founder of the Progressive Peoples Party (PPP), Paa Kwesi Nduom criticized the ruling government for failing to deal with the illegal mining menace.
“We have placed politics above our human lives and environment. Politicians are afraid to say ‘stop galamsey’, stop mining in the protected forests that we have. Stop mining in our water bodies, stop degrading our lands”, Dr. Nduom disclosed in a Facebook post.
Speaking on the Morning Starr with Naa Dedei Tettey, Dr. Asah said that galamsey in recent times has become like cancer which is going to consume everyone if care and action are not taken.
“Particularly, the ruling government is very much afraid to go into the areas of galamsey just because they are afraid to lose votes,” he said.
The political scientist continued that the activity has negatively impacted agriculture which is the mainstay of Ghana.
“We have seen political parties talk about the need to maintain the environment and work to support agriculture and food production. What is preventing them from tackling the issues of galamsey now?” he questioned.
He then advised political parties to be bold and truthful in dealing with the galamsey menace just as they are bold to promise peace before, during, and after elections.
“So the government must be driven with truthfulness and boldness to discuss this issue just like they discuss other issues. We have seen them in areas discussing and promising peace in the upcoming elections. They should use the same courage and energy to the galamsey areas and fight them,” Dr. Asah said.
Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh/103.5FM/Mercy Lokko Adjei Sarfo
