Anti-galamsey Campaigner, Senyo Hosi, has criticised the politicisation of illegal mining in Ghana, urging swift and unbiased action from all political parties to protect the country’s future.
Speaking on Top Story on Joy FM, Mr Hosi described government’s delayed response in dealing with alleged illegal mining activities involving Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, also known as Chairman Wontumi, as “long overdue.”
“I think it is being so long overdue. I was quite embarrassed by the way government was handling it. There was no reason why action shouldn’t have been taken,” he said.
He expressed concern over the apparent ability of politically connected individuals to ignore state institutions. “It was disappointing that citizens of the state could decide when they should be arrested and not arrested or respond to the calling of the state when they are invited. That kind of lawlessness should not be entertained by any political party,” he added.
Mr Hosi emphasised that illegal mining, known as galamsey, is a national crisis that transcends political boundaries.
“Galamsey is not a joke, it is not a political matter and that is why I am not too tolerant when people want to just make this a political matter. It is a very serious matter.”
He pointed to existing evidence linking Chairman Wontumi’s Akonta Mining company to unauthorised mining activities and criticised former President Akufo-Addo for making premature public comments about the case.
“The former president made a big mistake and maybe failed to really understand the matter before making proper commentary on it. Because his own minister contradicted what he himself the former president said.”
“Nobody is a political god in this country.” Mr Hosi said, urging politicians to recognise that no individual should be above the law. “What is at risk is the future of not just ourselves but our children’s children,” he added.
He also advised the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to adopt a more responsible tone in dealing with this issue. “The NPP must come resolute against galamsey irrespective of who is on the table.”
Mr Hosi warned that rushing to defend party figures without proper investigation could harm the integrity of political institutions.
“When we rush too quick amidst so much evidence, we may unconsciously impugn the impact and the integrity of our political party. Every party should be careful on these issues of galamsey.”
He concluded by stating Wontumi’s refusal to honour previous police invitations.
“Wontumi has been invited long time, he has not been cooperating. Nobody as a citizen, when you’ve been invited by a security agency, can decide not to and decide to go on your own terms. It is not right.”
“Let’s get it clear,galamsey is not just about illegal mining, it is also about irresponsible mining,” he added.