Political analyst Justice Siaw Mandela has asserted that the issue of illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, has devolved into a political football between the two main political parties, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
Mandela stated that it is not surprising the fight against galamsey has become challenging, particularly when both parties and their top financiers are determined to impede any comprehensive efforts to curb the practice.
He observed a troubling escalation, noting that while galamsey was considered at its peak under the previous administration, today, community residents are brazenly attacking soldiers, seemingly damning any consequences. He highlighted the seriousness of the situation, mentioning that residents attempted to attack these armed soldiers.
Mandela strongly cautioned that failure is inevitable in the galamsey fight unless the NDC and NPP set aside their partisan politics on the matter. He suggested there appears to be a competition fuelling the problem, stating, “It looks as if there is a competition.” He further alleged that certain NPP financiers are plotting to obstruct any successful effort by President Mahama to stop galamsey to prevent him from gaining political acclaim.
“The political football of galamsey is destroying us. It is destroying our water bodies, forest reserves, and until we stop the politics, we will not succeed. The politics we have now is not helping us.”
Speaking on Nyankonton Mu Nsem on Rainbow radio 87.5FM, Mandela attributed the current predicament to greed, selfishness, the love for money, and entrenched partisan politics.
He stressed that success will remain elusive until Ghanaians recognize that galamsey poses a significant threat to the environment, public health, and food security.
Mandela also expressed concern over the “pull him down” syndrome, where NPP members invariably criticize all NDC actions, and the NDC reciprocates when in opposition—a cycle that has persisted for years. He argued that this type of partisan politics and democracy cannot facilitate national progress.
He concluded by stressing the internal political constraints faced by leaders: “If President Mahama is given the hand to fight galamsey, he will deal with it but he is not of himself. He got into office through the efforts of a political vehicle and if does not play his cards well, the political vehicle will abandon him. You may have the political will but the people around you will not allow you to do that.”
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
