Physician and political activist, Dr. Arthur Kennedy, has criticized the lack of commitment from Ghana’s major political parties in tackling illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey, and addressing its devastating effects.
Dr. Kennedy argued that the reluctance to combat galamsey stems from the vested interests of political parties in illegal activity.
Speaking on Joy News on Saturday, October 19, 2024, he claimed that many Members of Parliament and party elders are actively involved in or finance illegal mining operations. He emphasized that unless these influential figures are sanctioned, the menace will persist.
Illegal mining has been a pressing issue in Ghana, with various groups and associations calling for government intervention to stop the destruction of water bodies, land, and forest reserves.
Dr. Kennedy further disclosed that he had appealed to Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II to engage with key political parties, advocating for an extraordinary approach to address the crisis.
He stressed that overcoming the challenge requires firm political will and a collective effort from all stakeholders.
“I have already appealed twice to the Asantehene to reach out to the key parties and solve this,” he stated.
“Let’s find the big people who are funding them to arrest them and sentence them to prison and most of the big people are party elders and members of parliament. We are beating around the bush.
“If we want to solve the problem, we must go to the source and solve it. But none of the political parties will solve it. As I have proposed, we need extraordinary measures to solve this,” he stated.