Paul A. Twum Barimah, former MP for Dormaa East
Paul A. Twum Barimah, former Member of Parliament for Dormaa East, has told the NDC government that the fight against illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, should never again be subjected to partisan propaganda and political football.
In a statement, the ex-lawmaker said the country had paid dearly for the NDC’s decision to politicise galamsey during previous regimes, a posture he argued weakened national resolve and gave illegal miners the confidence to continue their activities with impunity.
He stressed that such dangerous politicking was a betrayal of the national interest and a direct threat to Ghana’s survival.
Mr. Twum Barimah declared: “Never again should the fight against galamsey be politicised or weaponised against any particular government, as was done against the erstwhile regime. Its ramifications are devastating on all — as it threatens our very existence and survival as a people.”
He argued that under the NDC’s current administration, the fight against illegal mining had been reduced to empty rhetoric while destructive activities continue unchecked.
Zero commitment
He accused the government of turning a blind eye to the destruction of rivers, forests, and farmlands due to its political calculations and reluctance to confront illegal miners believed to be politically connected.
“The government must demonstrate serious commitment against this environmental canker which gets alarming day in, day out. The honeymoon is over: our water bodies, farm lands, forests, human lives and game all risk being extinguished if nothing significant is done to curb the menace,” he cautioned.
The former Dormaa East lawmaker further noted that the NDC, instead of rallying a national front, had sought to apportion blame and politicise the problem — an approach he insists is dangerously short-sighted.
According to him, the consequences of galamsey transcend politics and will leave a legacy of destruction if the government fails to act decisively.
He, therefore, rallied civil society organisations, academia, the clergy, the media, and the business community to rise above partisan divisions and mount pressure on the government to walk its talk. “Operation all hands on deck! Let’s all join this clarion call,” he urged.
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