Rev. Charles Owusu, a former Forestry Commission official and governance advocate, has raised concerns about President John Mahama’s approach to tackling illegal mining in Ghana. In a recent interview on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem, Rev. Owusu emphasized the need for decisive and non-partisan action to address the crisis of illegal mining, also known as galamsey.
He urged President Mahama to take bold steps, including deploying the Ghana Armed Forces to forest reserves across the country. Rev. Owusu expressed his disappointment in case the President fails to effectively address the issue, citing Mahama’s prior experience in office.
The governance advocate highlighted the political protection enjoyed by individuals involved in illegal mining as a major obstacle to eradicating galamsey. He suggested that the lack of commitment to enforcement measures is due to the fact that perpetrators often have political affiliations.
Rev. Owusu dismissed the notion that repealing legislation regulating small-scale mining in forests would solve the problem. He stressed the importance of enforcement over legislation, stating that lawless individuals do not adhere to new laws.
The environmental advocate proposed the establishment of a Forest Protection Unit within the Ghana Armed Forces to safeguard forest reserves and deter illegal miners. He emphasized the need for sustainable mining practices to prevent further environmental degradation.
Rev. Owusu criticized political hypocrisy on the issue of galamsey, pointing out the inconsistency in political demands based on party affiliation. He called for restrictions on foreign nationals engaging in small-scale mining, advocating for greater scrutiny of all mining activities.
Drawing parallels with the military’s success in securing Ghana’s northern borders, Rev. Owusu urged the government to demonstrate the same determination in combating galamsey. He implored President Mahama to utilize his executive power to declare forest reserves as military zones and establish a dedicated Forest Protection Unit to address the issue effectively.
In conclusion, Rev. Charles Owusu’s passionate plea for decisive action against illegal mining underscores the urgent need for a comprehensive strategy to combat galamsey and protect Ghana’s natural resources.
