NPP’s Richard Ahiagbah Calls for Decisive Action Against Galamsey
The galamsey crisis in Ghana has reached alarming proportions, with widespread devastation to the country’s forests and water bodies. Richard Ahiagbah, the National Director of Communications for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has expressed deep concern over the situation and urged the government to take bold and decisive action to combat the menace. In a post on his X account (formerly Twitter), Ahiagbah called for immediate action to address the crisis.
The Need for a State of Emergency
Ahiagbah proposed that the government declare a limited state of emergency to cover forests and water bodies, enabling the military to use all available strategies and tactics to secure the space. This would give impetus to the planned deployment of soldiers to guard 44 identified galamsey hotspots and water bodies.
Key Proposals
Stop purchasing galamsey gold: The government should cease buying gold from illegal miners and instead confiscate and arrest galamseyers at the point of sale.
Fish out and punish NDC members and operatives engaged in galamsey: Ahiagbah called for the identification and punishment of NDC members and operatives involved in galamsey, citing their proximity to power as a factor in the practice’s persistence.
Fast-track prosecution of illegal mining cases*: The government should enforce measures to fast-track the prosecution of illegal mining cases and consider televising galamsey trials to expose those behind the practice.
The Way Forward
Ahiagbah emphasized the need for decisive action to address the galamsey crisis, stating that Ghana needs leaders who will act boldly and decisively to protect the country’s forests and water bodies. He urged the government to consider the widespread criticism of Ghanaians as motivation to do right and not an opportunity to be defensive, combative, and political.
The galamsey crisis in Ghana requires a comprehensive and multi-faceted approach to address the root causes of the problem. The government must demonstrate political will and commitment to protecting the country’s natural resources and take bold and decisive action to combat the menace.
