A state that can’t contain galamsey, now turning full aggression on ‘hate speech’? – Yaw Nsarkoh

Former Unilever executive Yaw Nsarkoh has raised concerns about the Ghanaian government's dual focus on tackling illegal mining, known as galamsey, and silencing perceived hate speech. At a recent event, Nsarkoh questioned the government's priorities, arguing that its aggressive pursuit of individuals over social media posts contradicts its ongoing struggle to control the environmental threat caused by galamsey.

The mining of gold and other minerals illegally, referred to as galamsey, endangers water bodies, forests, and the livelihoods of communities across the nation. Nsarkoh called on authorities to explain why they are using state power against individuals for online expressions while failing to curb galamsey, an issue that persists across the country.

He criticized the seeming imbalance in authorities' actions, stating that while they cannot contain illegal mining, they are ready to "turn its full aggression on people who make one impolitic post on Facebook." Nsarkoh also expressed worry about the misuse of serious criminal charges like treason in response to public comments, questioning how such charges are rationalized.

He acknowledged the need for societal discipline but warned against using it to suppress legitimate criticism or distract from pressing national issues. Nsarkoh emphasized the importance of a governance system that balances lawful accountability with the protection of constructive criticism, to avoid stagnation and ensure the protection of the nation's environmental and social challenges.