Galamsey is becoming a national survival issue – Annoh-Dompreh

Minister Frank Annoh-Dompreh, the Minority Chief Whip and MP for Nsawam-Adoagyiri, has warned that illegal mining, known as galamsey, poses a significant threat to Ghana's water sources, vegetation, and livelihoods. Speaking to journalists after the NPP Eastern Regional Executives Elections, Annoh-Dompreh emphasized that the galamsey crisis is beyond partisan politics.

He expressed deep concern over the Birim River's deteriorating condition, noting rising turbidity levels and destruction of flora and fauna, indicating a worsening environmental impact of illegal mining. He also linked this destruction to broader concerns about climate change, shifting rainfall patterns, and the sustainability of Ghana's natural resources.

Annoh-Dompreh raised further alarm over illegal mining activities along sections of the Accra-Kumasi highway, describing the situation as unprecedented and questioning the apparent impunity of the miners. His remarks come as the nation grapples with the environmental impact of illegal mining on rivers, forest reserves, farmlands, and communities.

The MP criticized the NPP for expecting a different approach from the Mahama government on environmental issues, given the President's prior public service experience. He expressed disappointment that the galamsey crisis has become a disappointment for voters who chose a change in government. Annoh-Dompreh warned that galamsey would be a key issue in the NPP's future political messaging but stressed that the party would not fabricate issues for political gain.

Instead, the party's agenda would be influenced by the concerns of ordinary Ghanaians, with environmental degradation, the rising cost of living, governance, and corruption as topics likely to dominate the political conversation ahead of the next elections. He also questioned the government's handling of corruption cases, particularly the use of nolle prosequi in cases involving individuals accused of wrongdoing against the state.

The NPP, in its efforts to rebuild after the 2024 general elections, acknowledged its challenges in several constituencies, including traditional strongholds. Annoh-Dompreh acknowledged the parliamentary group and grassroots supporters were discussing ways to strengthen the party ahead of the next electoral cycle, aiming not only to increase parliamentary numbers but also to reclaim lost constituencies from 2024.

However, for Annoh-Dompreh, the galamsey crisis could remain one of the most critical issues in the political debate due to its direct implications for water security, agriculture, livelihoods, biodiversity, and the environment.