Galamsey is becoming a national survival issue – Annoh-Dompreh

Minority Chief Whip and Nsawam-Adoagyiri MP, Frank Annoh-Dompreh, has declared illegal mining a national survival issue that poses a serious threat to Ghana's water sources, ecosystems and livelihoods. Speaking to journalists, he stated that the galamsey crisis had transcended partisan politics. Concerned over the Birim River's deteriorating condition, Annoh-Dompreh highlighted rising turbidity and destruction of flora and fauna, linking it to broader climate change and sustainability concerns.

He also raised alarm about illegal mining activities along the Accra-Kumasi highway, describing the situation as unprecedented and questioning the perpetrators' apparent impunity. This follows heightened national worries over the impact of illegal mining on rivers, forests, farmlands and communities. The NPP had anticipated a different approach from the previous government under President John Dramani Mahama, given his prior experience in public service.

However, the crisis has disappointed some Ghanaians who voted for change. Annoh-Dompreh emphasized that galamsey would be a key theme in the NPP’s future political messaging but vowed not to fabricate issues for electoral gains. He pointed to environmental degradation, the cost of living, governance and corruption as topics likely to dominate discussions ahead of the next elections.

The MP also criticized the government's handling of corruption cases, particularly the use of nolle prosequi in corruption-related investigations. As the NPP works to rebuild after its 2024 election defeat, Annoh-Dompreh acknowledged the party's struggles in several constituencies, including traditional strongholds. He noted the parliamentary group and grassroots supporters are discussing ways to strengthen the party before the next electoral cycle, with the ultimate goal of regaining lost seats and addressing the galamsey crisis as one of the most pressing political issues.