Ghanaian actor Prince David Osei has urged citizens to refrain from blaming the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) for the adverse effects of illegal mining, commonly referred to as ‘galamsey.’ The alarming consequences of these activities have drawn international concern due to their detrimental impact on Ghana’s water bodies, land, and environment.
In a social media post dated September 29, 2024, Osei emphasized the need for a united approach among Ghanaians to tackle this pressing issue, rather than assigning blame to the government alone. He stated, “The issue of illegal mining is a significant concern that is gaining global attention due to its destructive impact on our water bodies, lands, and the environment. There is a growing consensus that urgent action is needed to combat this menace. Blaming the current administration or specific groups for the problem is not the solution. It is a collective responsibility for all citizens of Ghana to address the root causes, including poverty, greed, corruption, and selfishness.”
Osei further highlighted the importance of prioritizing the fight against illegal mining over political interests, calling for solidarity among Ghanaians to protect the nation’s natural resources. “We must prioritise this issue beyond political interests and work together as a nation to eradicate illegal mining. Let us unite and take decisive action to protect our environment and natural resources,” he added.
The backdrop to Osei’s comments includes recent protests by the #OccupyJulorbiHouse movement, which brought attention to the issue of galamsey and economic mismanagement. Protests escalated over the weekend, resulting in the arrest of demonstrators at the 37 Military Roundabout. The protesters are facing multiple charges, including conspiracy to commit crime, unlawful assembly, and assault on public officers. They have pleaded not guilty and are scheduled to reappear in court on October 8, 2024.
