{
  "id": 17394539,
  "title": "‘The state itself is complicit in galamsey fight’ – Bokpin",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/31/the-state-itself-is-complicit-in-galamsey-fight-bokpin",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-31T11:52:25.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "MyJoyOnline Ghana",
    "slug": "myjoyonline-ghana",
    "url": "https://www.myjoyonline.com/the-state-itself-is-complicit-in-galamsey-fight-bokpin/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Economist and professor of finance, Prof Godfred Bokpin, has criticized the state for being complicit in the fight against illegal mining, stating that political interference and lack of leadership have allowed the issue to worsen. Speaking on JoyNews’ Newsfile, Bokpin highlighted how the scale of illegal mining, or galamsey, has increased over time, especially with the involvement of politically connected individuals, while authorities continue to focus on less influential actors. The professor questioned the government's commitment to environmental protection, pointing out that the destruction of natural resources demonstrated a failure in leadership. Drawing a parallel with Judges 21:25, Bokpin emphasized the absence of leadership in the galamsey situation, where everyone is acting as they see fit. He argued that the Constitution places the country's natural resources under the President's care, who is entrusted with safeguarding them for present and future generations. Bokpin criticized the attempt to blame junior high school dropouts for illegal mining activities, asserting that these individuals cannot independently import heavy mining equipment. He urged authorities to focus on identifying the influential individuals and networks behind the illegal mining. The economist warned that the environmental degradation undermines the country's economic management efforts and stressed that economic development cannot be sustained if the ecological foundations of the economy are destroyed. Bokpin expressed concern about the extent of environmental destruction, calling for stronger leadership and accountability in addressing illegal mining and emphasizing the need for the State to take responsibility for protecting the country's environmental resources.",
  "summary": "Economist and Professor of Finance at the University of Ghana Business School, Professor Godfred Bokpin, has accused the state of complicity in the fight against illegal mining, arguing that political interference and a lack of leadership have allowed the menace to escalate.",
  "key_points": [
    "Professor Bokpin criticizes state complicity in galamsey fight.",
    "Politically connected individuals exacerbate illegal mining issue.",
    "Government's lack of leadership demonstrated by environmental destruction."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": "https://urgent.news/ill/17394539.png",
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Adom Online",
        "title": "Arrests and seized equipment not enough to judge galamsey fight – Prof Bokpin",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/31/arrests-and-seized-equipment-not-enough-to-judge-galamsey-fight-prof",
        "published": "2026-10-31T10:56:40.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}