A Senior Marketing Lecturer at Kumasi Technical University (KsTU), Dr. Samuel Afriyie, has ignited a nationwide debate by asserting that illegal mining, widely known as galamsey, has effectively become an extension of political party operations in Ghana.
Dr. Afriyie contends that entrenched ties between political parties and illegal mining networks have severely undermined national efforts to combat environmental degradation.
According to him, political actors routinely offer mining concessions as campaign promises, emboldening party foot soldiers to engage in galamsey with the belief that they will enjoy protection once their party secures power.
“It’s difficult for any government to genuinely end galamsey when the activity is deeply rooted in party support and campaign promises,” he stated.
He made the comments during a panel discussion on Otec FM’s morning show ‘Nyansapo’, hosted by Kwaku Owusu Boateng on Wednesday, July 16, 2025.
“The fight against illegal mining is already compromised once it becomes politicized,” Dr. Afriyie added.
Call for Depoliticization
Dr. Afriyie emphasized that the only path to meaningful progress in the fight against galamsey is to remove partisan interference from the equation. He warned that political promises tied to mining activities have turned galamsey into a tool for political patronage, rather than a sector to be regulated for sustainable development.
He argued that military deployments and policy declarations will continue to fall short unless political parties stop using mining concessions as rewards for electoral support.
Galamsey Threatens All Ghanaians
Dr. Afriyie reminded the public that the devastation caused by galamsey affects everyone, regardless of political leanings.
“Until we treat this as a collective environmental threat and not a partisan matter, the fight against galamsey will remain a failure,” he cautioned.
He further advised that “until Ghanaians see galamsey as a national issue that requires a collective response, regardless of political affiliation, the fight against it will be meaningless.”
A Call to National Duty
Dr. Afriyie urged Ghanaians to place environmental protection above party politics. He called on citizens, leaders, and institutions to work together to restore Ghana’s degraded lands and polluted water bodies.
“The fight against galamsey requires a collective effort, and it is time for Ghanaians to put aside their differences and work towards a common goal,” he concluded.
His remarks have struck a chord across the political spectrum, with many calling for a bipartisan approach to end illegal mining and preserve Ghana’s natural heritage for future generations.
