Former Chair of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Illegal Mining, Professor Kwabena Frimpong-Boateng, has expressed concerns about Ghana’s current state of leadership and the impact of illegal mining (galamsey) on the nation’s future.
Speaking on the Keypoints on Saturday, November 30, 2024, he highlighted the significant environmental and socio-economic threats posed by galamsey and called for a decisive shift in governance to address these challenges.
Frimpong-Boateng reflected on leadership lessons from global figures like Singapore’s Lee Kuan Yew, whose dedication to science and technology transformed his nation from a struggling fishing village to a global powerhouse.
Despite its abundant resources such as cocoa, gold, and water, Ghana has failed to achieve similar progress due to leadership lapses, he lamented.
“Leadership is supposed to ensure the survival of the people and meet basic needs,” he stated. “The destruction of water bodies, farmlands, forests, and biodiversity is setting the stage for a catastrophic future, including widespread hunger and environmental collapse.”
The professor drew attention to the widespread destruction caused by galamsey, likening it to “daily earthquakes” in affected areas.
He stressed that rivers, once vital for irrigation and drinking, are now heavily polluted and unusable.
“The Ghana Water Company is struggling to produce potable water,” he added, emphasizing the urgent need for sustainable policies.
On the government’s response, Frimpong-Boateng criticized past military-led interventions, such as Operation Vanguard, as ineffective.
He argued that deploying soldiers to galamsey hotspots has not yielded lasting results. “This is not a job for the military.
Prolonged engagement in these operations risks undermining the integrity of the Ghana Armed Forces,” he warned.
Looking ahead, Frimpong-Boateng urged Ghana’s next government to prioritize the fight against galamsey and adopt robust, sustainable measures to protect the environment.
“The destruction is evident for all to see. If we don’t act now, we are guaranteeing a bleak future for the next generation,” he concluded.
The Former Minister of Environment, Science & Technology remains cautiously optimistic, expressing willingness to advise future leaders if they demonstrate a genuine commitment to addressing the issue.
However, he refrained from commenting on controversial projects like the National Cathedral, stating, “Our focus should be on saving what’s left of our environment and ensuring sustainable development.”
As the nation gears up for the next elections, the call for proactive leadership and accountability in combating illegal mining remains more critical than ever.
