Charles Adongo Bawaduah, Member of Parliament for Bongo, has warned that politicising the fight against illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, undermines efforts to find lasting solutions.
Speaking on The Big Issue on Channel One TV on Saturday, January 25, Bawaduah addressed the fatal clash at the AngloGold Ashanti Mine on January 18, where seven lives were lost after 60 illegal miners breached the mine’s security fence.
“Politicising this issue will make it harder to resolve because it becomes an NDC versus NPP debate instead of being treated as a national concern,” he stated.
Bawaduah criticized claims by the New Patriotic Party (NPP) that the National Democratic Congress (NDC) orchestrated the incident, dismissing the allegations as baseless and unhelpful.
“There is no evidence to support these allegations. Such unfounded claims only derail efforts to address the security challenges. This is a national problem that requires collective action,” he stressed.
He also highlighted the economic realities driving galamsey, acknowledging its role in sustaining livelihoods despite its illegality. “Gold and galamsey have supported many youths and families. People use it to pay school fees, build homes, and sustain themselves. Without viable job alternatives, they won’t stop,” he noted.
Bawaduah called for structured systems to legalize small-scale mining, ensuring sustainable livelihoods while addressing the environmental and security challenges posed by galamsey.
“The solution lies in creating a framework that allows legal participation in mining. This will help manage the problem while offering opportunities for the youth,” he concluded.