Michael Adu-Gyamfi, the Ashanti Regional Secretary of the Small Scale Miners Association, has publicly criticized the New Patriotic Party (NPP) government for worsening the illegal mining crisis, commonly known as Galamsey.
According to Adu-Gyamfi, the government’s ineffectiveness in tackling the issue has led to a resurgence of illegal mining activities, which have severely polluted water bodies and resulted in widespread deforestation.
Recent footage and images reveal the extent of the damage caused by these illicit operations, showing significant contamination of rivers and the takeover of forest reserves by illegal miners, including foreign nationals.
The environmental degradation has sparked growing concern over the government’s ability to control and mitigate the crisis.
Despite President Akufo-Addo’s earlier promise to combat Galamsey aggressively, even vowing to risk his presidency for the cause, Adu-Gyamfi contends that these assurances have not resulted in meaningful change.
The situation, he argues, has only worsened as government actions have failed to address the problem effectively.
During an interview with Don Kwabena Prah Jnr on the Hot Morning Drive, Adu-Gyamfi expressed his dissatisfaction with the current approach, particularly criticizing Lands and Natural Resources Minister Samuel Abu Jinapor for his perceived lack of effective response.
In conclusion, Adu-Gyamfi said the fight against galamsey can only be won if the local people are empowered to deal with the situation because they are on the grounds and know those engaging in the act.
