Ziega Questions Effectiveness of Government’s Deportation Strategy in Fight Against Galamsey
Popular media personality and political analyst of Maakye on Kessben TV, Nana Frimpong Ziega, has expressed strong criticism of the government’s strategy to deport foreign nationals involved in illegal mining, commonly known as ‘galamsey’.
During the April 11, 2025, broadcast, Ziega questioned the effectiveness of this approach in addressing the environmental and social issues caused by illegal mining.
He argued that merely deporting foreign offenders does not tackle the root causes of galamsey and may allow these individuals to return or continue their activities elsewhere. Ziega emphasized the need for more stringent measures, including holding accountable the Ghanaian collaborators who facilitate these illegal operations.
“Why should the citizens involved be tried, but the foreigners involved are just deported without standing trial in Ghana?
“Deporting foreign galamseyers is not enough,” Ziega stated. “We must also focus on the local enablers who provide them with the means to operate. Without addressing this, the problem will persist.”
He further called for a comprehensive approach that combines enforcement with community engagement and sustainable livelihood programs to provide alternatives to those involved in illegal mining.
By Gifty Bediako Yamoah
