Illegal mining, popularly known as “galamsey,” continues to wreak havoc on Ghana’s water bodies, farmlands, and biodiversity, despite repeated promises by successive governments to address the issue.
Kwame Jantuah, a member of the Convention People’s Party (CPP) and a legal practitioner, has criticized the Ghana Police Service and political leadership for failing to curb the menace.
Speaking on Morning Starr with Naa Dedei Tettey, Jantuah accused the police of inadequately enforcing laws to protect the nation’s natural resources.
“We have a police service that doesn’t know how to handle the law,” he stated, questioning their role in preventing illegal mining activities, particularly in protected biodiversity reserves.
“Today, we hear they’ve gone into the biodiversity reserves to mine. What’s the police service doing?” he lamented.
Jantuah also blamed both past and present governments for neglecting their duties.
He cited a legislative instrument, referred to as “2464,” accusing President Akufo-Addo of failing to fulfill his promise to withdraw the regulation.
He further urged former President Mahama to take immediate action.
“The LI, 2464—the one President Akufo-Addo promised to withdraw but didn’t—I think President Mahama should quickly withdraw it so we can hold people accountable,” Jantuah stressed.