Kwaku Asante-Boateng, Member of Parliament for Asante Akim South, has voiced concerns over the government’s reluctance to tackle galamsey. He believes this hesitation stems from fears of losing the upcoming December 7 elections.
According to Asante-Boateng, the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) strong anti-galamsey stance in 2020 led to the party’s defeat in several mining communities. This experience has instilled caution in the government.
The NPP MP explained that the fear of losing votes is a significant concern in politics, particularly in regions where galamsey is prevalent.
Asante-Boateng recalled the 2020 elections, where the NPP lost parliamentary seats in mining communities. “We lost all the seats… in the mining communities we were trying to control,” he stated.
He emphasized that this experience serves as a lesson for any political party. “Do you think… the current government will have the guts or find it necessary to put a ban on it?” he asked.
Asante-Boateng defended the government’s cautious approach, citing the political implications of imposing a total ban on mining.
The MP’s comments highlight the complex relationship between politics and galamsey in Ghana.
Galamsey has severe environmental and social consequences, but it also provides livelihoods for many Ghanaians. The government faces a delicate balance between addressing the issue and maintaining political support.
Asante-Boateng’s remarks underscore the need for sustainable solutions that consider both environmental concerns and community livelihoods.
