Samuel Abu Jinapor, the Member of Parliament for Damongo and Ranking Member
on the Foreign Affairs Committee, has called on President John Dramani Mahama and
the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to fulfill their previous commitment to
declare a state of emergency to address the growing illegal mining crisis,
known as galamsey. During an interview on Asempa FM's Ekosii Sen, Mr. Jinapor
emphasized the urgency of this action, stressing that the NDC had made a clear
promise to the public before taking power in the 2024 elections.
According to Mr. Jinapor, the situation regarding galamsey has escalated,
and the need for a state of emergency has become even more critical than
before. He remarked that the galamsey problem has worsened after the elections,
making it more urgent for the government to take decisive action. "Today,
galamsey is worse off, and a state of emergency is even more needed. If a state
of emergency is what is going to help curb the situation, what is avoiding us
from declaring it?" he questioned, urging the government to follow through
on their pledge.
Mr. Jinapor's comments reflect his long-standing position on the matter and
his belief that effective governance requires consistency and principle. He
pointed out that Ghanaians voted for the NDC with the expectation that the
party would address pressing issues like illegal mining, and it is now time for
the government to act on its promises. "If we are going to build a nation,
we need to be very consistent. We should insist on politics and governance of
principle. Ghanaians voted for them, and they are in government now. They
should do the right thing and be truthful to the people," Mr. Jinapor stated.
His call for a state of emergency to tackle the galamsey menace is not the
first time the issue has come to the forefront. Over the years, illegal mining
has caused significant environmental and social damage across the country.
Despite several attempts by the government to curb the practice, including
efforts to regulate small-scale mining, the problem persists and continues to
negatively impact local communities.
In response to the growing concerns, Minister for Lands and Natural
Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has reaffirmed the government's commitment
to addressing illegal mining. He acknowledged the severity of the galamsey
crisis and revealed that the government is considering all available options,
including declaring a state of emergency and temporarily banning small-scale
mining, to address the situation more effectively. His statement reinforces the
government’s position that the fight against illegal mining requires a
comprehensive approach that involves multiple stakeholders and strategies.
The debate surrounding the galamsey crisis highlights the deepening divide
between political leaders on how best to address the issue. While the NDC has
made promises to take a stronger stance on illegal mining, the government’s
actions, or lack thereof, have raised questions about the effectiveness of its
response. Mr. Jinapor’s call for a state of emergency is a direct challenge to
the government to take more immediate and tangible steps to address the crisis
that has plagued Ghana for years.
Illegal mining has long been a thorn in the side of Ghana’s development,
particularly in regions where it has led to widespread environmental
degradation, destruction of water bodies, and loss of biodiversity. The issue
is not only an environmental concern but also a significant challenge to public
health and safety. As illegal miners continue to operate without oversight, the
negative effects on local communities become more pronounced.
The government’s efforts to regulate small-scale mining have been met with mixed
results. While some regulations have been implemented, such as the ban on
small-scale mining in certain areas, enforcement has often been lax, and
illegal mining activities have continued unabated. The need for stronger
measures, including the declaration of a state of emergency, has gained
traction among certain political figures, including Mr. Jinapor, who believes
that only decisive action will address the root causes of illegal mining.
The call for a state of emergency is not just about cracking down on illegal
mining; it is also about ensuring that the government takes its
responsibilities seriously. Mr. Jinapor’s comments underscore the importance of
political accountability and consistency in governance. He believes that the
NDC must act in accordance with the promises made during the election campaign
to maintain the trust of the people and deliver on the goals set out for the
nation.
As the debate continues, many Ghanaian citizens and environmental activists
are watching closely to see how the government responds to the growing galamsey
crisis. With the situation becoming increasingly dire, the pressure is on the
NDC and President Mahama to demonstrate their commitment to tackling the issue
head-on and to take decisive steps to protect the environment, public health,
and the future of the nation.
Mr. Jinapor’s call for a state of emergency reflects the urgency of the
situation and the growing demand for action. The future of Ghana’s natural
resources, the well-being of its citizens, and the credibility of its
government depend on how the galamsey crisis is addressed in the coming months.
The challenge remains for the government to deliver on its promises and to
implement effective measures that will safeguard the country’s environmental
and economic future.
blogpay
Total Comments: 0