Captain Smart, a prominent Ghanaian journalist and host of ‘Onua Maakye’ on Onua TV, has stirred significant controversy by naming several government officials he claims are involved in illegal small-scale mining, commonly known as galamsey. Speaking on the National Democratic Congress (NDC)'s political programme, NDC 360, he made serious allegations about the involvement of high-ranking officials in this unlawful activity.
During his discussion with Sammy Gyamfi, the NDC’s National Communication Officer, Captain Smart alleged that many ministers from the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) are engaged in galamsey. He specifically mentioned the Western Regional Minister, George Mireku Duker, and the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Axim Nzema East, as individuals actively participating in these illegal mining operations.
Captain Smart was resolute in his claims, stating, "I have said this before and I am repeating it: the Western Regional Minister is involved in galamsey, Mireku Duker is involved in galamsey, and the Axim Nzema East MCE is also involved. In fact, he even has a shop that sells galamsey equipment, including Changfang equipment. When your Changfang breaks down, you can buy spare parts and get it repaired. I have dared them for the past four months. I want them to go to court and they will see something,” he said in Twi.
These bold assertions extend beyond individual government officials. Captain Smart accused entire government bodies, such as the Minerals Commission and the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, of being complicit in galamsey. He emphasized that all members of these institutions, from top executives to lower-ranking employees, are involved in the illegal mining trade.
“The Minerals Commission and the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources are all involved in galamsey. I’ve said this over and over again and I want them to come and challenge me. Everyone at the Minerals Commission, from the highest-ranking officials to the lowest, is involved in galamsey,” he emphasized.
Captain Smart also touched on the social and economic implications of galamsey. He argued that the government has failed to address the needs of rural communities affected by illegal mining activities. He pointed out that those benefiting from galamsey are living comfortably in urban areas, while the vulnerable people in rural regions are left to suffer the consequences.
He supported former President John Mahama's viewpoint that individuals employed in galamsey operations in rural areas often remain unaware of the origins of their funding. This disconnect further perpetuates the cycle of exploitation and poverty in these communities.
Captain Smart’s comments have ignited a heated debate in Ghana, with many calling for thorough investigations into his allegations. The accusations, if proven true, could have significant ramifications for the implicated officials and institutions. His willingness to challenge these powerful figures and institutions in court underscores the seriousness of his claims.
The illegal practice of galamsey has long been a contentious issue in Ghana, with numerous reports highlighting its devastating environmental and social impacts. Efforts to combat it have often been met with mixed results, as the lure of quick profits continues to draw individuals into the trade.
Captain Smart’s revelations add a new dimension to the ongoing struggle against galamsey, suggesting that the problem may be deeply entrenched within the very institutions tasked with regulating and overseeing the mining sector. Whether these allegations will lead to substantive action or reforms remains to be seen, but they undoubtedly bring renewed attention to the urgent need for effective solutions to this persistent challenge.
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