No strategy can save Ghana from the threat of ‘Galamsey’ if there is no political will

The late Kofi Annan once said, ” Political will is the oxygen, without which reform efforts will suffocate.”

It is time for us as a country to admit the fact that the key gateway to tackling the threat of ‘galamesy’ which has become national security and safety concern is not about formation of new policies but rather the political will to strictly implement the existing policies.

For how long can we continue to debate on which approach or policy can best be used to tackle the illegal mining dilemma as a country, forgetting that with all the numerous strategies and interventions we have, the problem continues wreaking havoc on the country’s natural resources and threaten the livelihood of the entire nation.

It is imperative to state on record that no matter the best-laid new strategies implemented to tackle the menace, without the political will, it will still fail. As said by Mo Ibrahim, “Without political will, policies are nothing more than ink on paper.”

We must clearly understand as a country that the fight against ‘galamsey’ menace needs complete commitment and determination by our political leaders, chiefs, clergy, media professionals, and many other stakeholders to achieve this war, no matter the challenges or obstacles.

In actual fact, the lack of political will to tackle the threat of ‘galamsey’ in Ghana is evident in the inconsistent and partial-hearted efforts by our political leaders to address the issue. One time, the government announces a swift crackdown on ‘galamsey’ gangs; the next time, it is business as usual.

For complete political will, leaders must prioritize long-term security and safety Interest of Ghana over their political expediency. This will send a strong signal to the public as to how dangerous the threat of ‘galamsey’ has become and that under no circumstances should anyone flout the law.