Galamsey, recurring floods expose governance failures – Yaw Nsarkoh

Former Unilever executive Yaw Nsarkoh has criticized Ghana's governments for their failure to effectively tackle illegal mining, known as galamsey, and recurrent flooding. He views these issues as evidence of deeper flaws within the country's governance system. Nsarkoh points to the ongoing destruction of water bodies through galamsey and the annual flooding during the rainy season as proof of the government's inability to address long-standing problems, despite public outcry and political pledges.

At a recent JoyNews and An Amalgam of Professionals event, Nsarkoh emphasized that the consequences of illegal mining pose a threat to both current and future generations. He described the situation as an "existential threat," highlighting how the pollution of water bodies persists due to the lack of enforcement. Nsarkoh also criticized land management in Accra, pointing out demolitions, constructions on unsuitable sites, and developments that obstruct waterways as part of a larger issue contributing to flooding.

The executive criticized the pattern of events: heavy rains lead to flooding, which is then broadcast on social media, sparking public outrage and political statements, only for the issue to fade once the rains subside. He warned that the same problems resurface with the onset of the next rainy season, indicating a cycle that the government fails to break.

Nsarkoh argued that the recurring crises reflect a political system that often reacts to problems after they occur rather than addressing their root causes. He also criticized political vigilantism, asserting that the leniency shown to politically connected individuals raises concerns about the government's capacity to enforce laws uniformly. He called for a more serious and long-term approach to governance that prioritizes citizens' well-being over partisan gain and fleeting public reactions.