Political scientist Dr. Asah Asante has called on the government to take strong action against illegal mining, commonly referred to as “galamsey,” warning that inaction could have serious political repercussions in the upcoming 2028 general elections.
In an interview on the AM Show, Dr. Asante highlighted that illegal mining poses a significant threat to both Ghana’s economy and environment. He cautioned that any government neglecting this issue risks losing the confidence of voters. “The government must have the courage to confront the galamsey menace directly. If they ignore it, they could face the same fate as the NPP in 2028,” he stated.
Dr. Asante pointed out that voters typically base their choices on critical factors, such as economic performance and the effects of policies on their daily lives. He emphasized that illegal mining not only destabilizes the economy but could also create “constituency-specific issues” that may politically damage the ruling party.
He underscored that governance should focus not just on maintaining power but on enhancing citizens’ lives through decisive and effective measures. “We don’t govern merely to win power. Governance should bring hope and joy, ultimately improving our livelihoods. Without this, citizens lose faith in governance,” he remarked.
Dr. Asante referred to the last general election as evidence that the public expects the government to tackle pressing national issues like illegal mining. He believes the current administration possesses the capability to make a significant change and should take immediate action against this challenge.
The galamsey issue has been a longstanding environmental and political concern in Ghana, endangering water bodies, farmland, and local economies. Successive governments have vowed to resolve it, yet the problem continues to persist, often becoming a focal point in election campaigns.
Dr. Asante warned that if the current government fails to act, it may face political repercussions similar to those encountered by the previous administration.
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