President John Dramani Mahama outlined his vision for Ghana’s future, emphasizing key areas of focus for the nation’s development in his inaugural speech on January 7, 2025.
However, there was one glaring omission that has sparked concern among many, including political scientist Dr. Kwame Asah-Asante.
Dr. Asah-Asante, an expert in political science, expressed his disappointment that the fight against illegal mining, or galamsey, was not addressed in the president’s speech.
“What I was disappointed in is the fact that the president did not find a space in the speech to include the fight against galamsey,” he stated on GHOne TV, voicing a sentiment shared by many who view the galamsey issue as one of the most urgent environmental and social challenges facing the country.
Galamsey, which involves illegal mining activities, has long been a scourge on Ghana’s natural resources. Over the years, it has led to widespread deforestation, water pollution, and the destruction of livelihoods.
The government’s efforts to combat galamsey have faced setbacks, but Dr. Asah-Asante believes that the fight must continue and be prioritized in national discussions.
“We must continue, and it will bring a lot of benefit to our society,” he urged. According to him, addressing galamsey is not just about protecting the environment but also about safeguarding the lives of individuals and ensuring economic prosperity.
