An educationist and former Chairman of the National Development Planning Commission (NDPC), Professor Stephen Adei, has claimed that the establishment of GoldBod has legitimised the activities of illegal mining.
He made the remarks while speaking to a congregation in a video widely shared on social media.
He said the current administration’s decision to establish the Gold Bod is in a way legalising galamsey, which has destroyed several water bodies and forest reserves.
“The politicians, the chiefs, and the security agents are responsible for polluting all the water sources in Ghana. They have a way of making it look acceptable. For example, the current government, which in many ways is doing well, has legalised galamsey. GoldBod is essentially the legalisation of galamsey,” Professor Adei stated.
Professor Adei questioned the government’s approach to addressing illegal mining in Ghana.
He argues that establishing a sole state buyer for gold may inadvertently legitimise illegal mining activities, rather than addressing their environmental and economic impact.
The fight against galamsey is estimated to cost the nation billions, with over 80% of major water bodies degraded and significant gold export revenue leakage.
By: Rainbowradioonnline.com/Ghana
