‘Both NDC and NPP have failed us’ – Efia Odo on galamsey

Efia Odo, a Ghanaian actress and social commentator, has sharply criticized Ghana's political leadership over the persistent issue of illegal mining, known locally as galamsey. She contends that the destruction caused by this illegal activity can no longer persist without accountability at the highest levels of government. According to Odo, the illegal mining industry is supported by a clandestine network of influential individuals who operate from the shadows.

She believes that tackling galamsey will remain unsuccessful until those who facilitate and profit from the practice are identified and made accountable. Odo also expressed doubt about the sincerity of successive governments, accusing both the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP) of failing to follow through on their promises to address the issue.

She maintained that Ghana's leaders are undoubtedly aware of the extensive damage caused to the country's water bodies and environment. "There's no way our leaders are blind to the damage galamsey is doing to our water bodies," she stated. Odo's remarks come at a time when public concern over the impact of illegal mining on Ghana's rivers, forests, and livelihoods is at an all-time high.

She emphasized that the galamsey crisis requires more than mere political promises, insisting that effective action must extend to the individuals and networks allegedly driving the illegal mining activities.