The Juantuahene of the Wassa-Amenfi Traditional Area has expressed confidence in Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s chances in the upcoming presidential election, predicting that he will secure 53% of the votes cast. Dr. Bawumia, who is the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) flagbearer, was assured of the chief’s support during his recent visit to the region.
However, in a surprising appeal, the chief urged Dr. Bawumia to shift his focus away from tackling the issue of illegal mining, locally known as galamsey, despite the Wassa-Amenfi area being among the regions hardest hit by this crisis. The call comes at a time when the nation’s struggle against galamsey has escalated, with illegal mining activities posing severe environmental, health, and economic threats to Ghana.
Ghana’s Galamsey Crisis Deepens
Galamsey has become a critical national issue, as small-scale artisanal mining has evolved into larger, often violent operations, leading to significant environmental damage. The illegal mining activities have contaminated major water bodies, devastated farmlands, and destroyed forest reserves. Rivers such as the Ankobra, Densu, and Birim have been heavily polluted, with the Birim River now deemed unsafe for consumption and the Pra River suffering from mercury contamination.
This environmental degradation has led to widespread public outcry and demands for stricter government action. The situation has become increasingly dire, with communities affected by contaminated water and farmland destruction, which in turn threatens local livelihoods.
Public Protests and Government Response
In response to growing frustration over the government’s handling of the galamsey crisis, the civil society group Democracy Hub has organized protests, with one major demonstration in Accra leading to at least 54 arrests. Authorities claimed the protest was illegal, accusing participants of disrupting public order and attacking police officers. The protests underscored widespread dissatisfaction with the government’s approach to curbing illegal mining and addressing the environmental damage caused.
Social media has played a pivotal role in amplifying the protests, with hashtags like #GalamseyMustStop, #FreeTheCitizens, and #SayNoToGalamsey gaining traction as citizens call for greater accountability. Activists are demanding urgent action from the government to address the environmental catastrophe caused by galamsey and the release of detained protesters.
Balancing Election Campaigns and Environmental Challenges
As Dr. Bawumia continues his campaign for the presidency, the galamsey crisis remains a key challenge for the NPP government. The Juantuahene’s appeal for the Vice President to avoid the galamsey issue may reflect local sensitivities, but the broader national demand for a decisive response to the crisis will likely shape the electoral landscape. Dr. Bawumia faces the challenge of addressing these urgent environmental concerns while navigating the complex political terrain leading up to the elections.
Source: GhanaFeed.Com