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Investigative journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni has commented on the recent electoral losses experienced by several Members of Parliament (MPs), including Mireku Duker, who have sought to attribute their defeats to the government’s position on illegal mining, commonly referred to as galamsey.
In a post on Facebook, Awuni contested this narrative, asserting that the electoral defeats of these MPs were largely unrelated to the government’s anti-galamsey initiatives.
He elaborated that the MPs who lost their positions had not demonstrated a genuine commitment to combating illegal mining, primarily due to political considerations.
Awuni noted that the efforts to address galamsey were not vigorously pursued by these MPs, as they often prioritized political expediency over the urgent need to tackle the environmental and social devastation caused by illegal mining activities.
In his post, the journalist emphasized that the true victims of galamsey are the residents of communities affected by mining operations.
“The victims of illegal miners in those communities could register their anger against the government’s inaction,” he added.
“These communities have long struggled with the devastating effects of galamsey, from land degradation to polluted water bodies, while politicians, including those in power, have turned a blind eye.
Awuni emphasized a notable disconnection between the government and the individuals adversely affected by illegal mining activities. He contended that permitting foreign nationals, particularly those from China, to encroach upon local communities without repercussions would inevitably foster resentment among the residents due to the government’s inaction.
“If Chinese and other foreigners invade a community and the government does nothing about the destruction of their lands, water bodies, and livelihoods, we cannot pretend that the defeat is because of the government’s fight,” he said.
Moreover, Awuni pointed out that numerous politicians implicated in illegal mining, commonly referred to as galamsey, are primarily situated in urban centers such as Accra or Kumasi, which are distant from the regions directly impacted by these mining operations. He further observed that the financiers of illegal mining endeavors typically do not reside in the communities that suffer the most from the resulting environmental degradation.
“Many politicians were actually involved in illegal mining and the people know it. The financiers of galamsey are mainly in Accra or Kumasi. They don’t live in those communities,” Awuni remarked, pointing to the widespread knowledge among the public about the complicity of certain individuals.
Source:NKONKONSA.com
