Galamsey, recurring floods expose governance failures – Yaw Nsarkoh

Former Unilever executive Yaw Nsarkoh has harshly criticized Ghana's governments for their failure to tackle illegal mining and recurring flooding, drawing attention to deeper flaws within the nation's governance system. Speaking at a recent event, Nsarkoh highlighted how the ongoing destruction of water bodies through illegal mining and the recurrent flooding during the rainy season expose the state's inability to address longstanding issues, despite public outcry and political pledges.

He emphasized that the consequences of illegal mining pose a threat to both current and future generations, describing it as an "existential threat" that continues to spread and endanger the nation's collective future. Nsarkoh pointed out that despite the pollution of water bodies persisting, successive governments have struggled to curb the practice.

Moreover, he criticized land administration in Accra, pointing out demolitions, development on unsuitable sites, and obstructions of waterways as contributing factors to the flooding problem. Nsarkoh noted that the pattern of heavy rains causing flooding, followed by viral social media videos, mounting public anger, and political rhetoric that fades once the rains subside, has become all too familiar. He warned that the same issues resurface with each new rainy season.

Nsarkoh argued that these recurring crises reflect a political system that frequently responds to problems after they occur rather than tackling their underlying causes. He also criticized the influence of political vigilantism, noting that the impunity enjoyed by those with political connections raises concerns about the state's consistent ability to enforce the law.

In his call for reform, Nsarkoh urged for a more serious approach to governance that prioritizes the long-term wellbeing of citizens over partisan exchanges and temporary public reactions.