Oliver Ofori Baah, Youth Organiser for the New Patriotic Party in Okaikwei Central constituency, has voiced concern over the detrimental impact of illegal mining, commonly referred to as galamsey, and its politicisation.
He said it is unfortunate that the issue of galamsey is being politicised.
The effects of galamsey, he noted, have no political colours, hence the need to unite our front to deal with the issue holistically.
He took a swipe at NDC’s Kwaku Boahen for encouraging illegal miners to continue mining in a video that has gone viral in 2020.
Speaking on Frontline on Rainbow Radio 87.5FM, he posited politicians from the NDC and NPP are engaged in galamsey.
‘’When it comes to galamsey, the NDC and NPP are engaged in it. You cannot tell me NDC members are not doing galamsey. It actually started under the NDC. The fight against galamsey is a collective responsibility, and we must all commit ourselves to the fight against galamsey.’’
He then took on traditional rulers, asking them to accept part of the blame for the mess of galamsey because, without their authorisation, illegal miners cannot engage in their illegal activities.
‘’I am appealing to the traditional rulers to remain firm, stamp their authority, and stop illegal mining. If the politicians have decided not to deal with galamsay, our traditional rulers must commit themselves to dealing with galamsay. If the chiefs decide to fight against galamsey, they will be able to fight against it. They should not allow the politicians to keep promising to deal with Galamsey. They should dedicate themselves to fighting galamsey.’’
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
