The galamsey menace has become a social canker which needs the attention of all well-meaning Ghanaians. It is therefore not surprising that most Ghanaians praised the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, John Peter Amewu, when he gave a three-week ultimatum to illegal small scale miners to put a stop to their activities.
Even before the three-week ultimatum expired there were media reports that some of these small scale miners had started evacuating from their sites, whilst others surrendered their excavators. This is a clear sign that these illegal miners have come to the terms with the fact that this campaign from by the Minister is not one of the usual political talks but the Minister really has the political will to end this social menace once and for all.
Mr. Minister, well-meaning Ghanaians understand the pressure you are receiving from China and some other “big men.” We are also aware that these illegal miners have threatened to vote against your government in the next general elections. Regardless of all these pressures from both within and outside the country, we believe you are still the luckiest Minister we have ever seen. Currently you have the open support of the President, Vice President, your own political party, as well as the biggest opposition party (NDC), CSOs, the media, and some traditional authorities; in fact you have the support of most of Ghanaians. For this reason, you don’t have any reason to fail.
Looking at the various interests in galamsey operations we understand you are in a very difficult situation, but remember heroes are normally born during difficult situations. Mr. Minister, be the hero of our time and leave a legacy for yourself and your government. Don’t disappoint us.
Always remember “YOU ARE NOT WALKING ALONE.”
Also remember we are all watching.
All the best!
By Elvis Oppong-Mensah
The writer is the Programme Officer for non-governmental organisation ‘Civic Response’
Email: elvisoppongmensah@gmail.com