Retired army officer and former Deputy Minister for Defence, Major (Rtd) Derrick Oduro, has lamented that Ghana’s fight against illegal mining, popularly known as Galamsey has become increasingly difficult due to political interference.
Speaking on Ikulcha Radio/TV with Kwesi E. Baako, Major Oduro explained that what should have been a unified national effort to protect the environment has instead been clouded by partisan interests.
According to him, the problem has moved beyond law enforcement, as political affiliations now influence how the law is applied and how offenders are treated.
Major Oduro further noted that illegal mining continues to destroy water bodies, forests, and farmlands, yet efforts to curb it often lose momentum whenever political considerations take precedence over national interest.
He stressed the need for all parties, government, opposition, traditional authorities, and local communities, to unite under a common purpose rather than using the issue for political gain.
He urged Ghanaians to see the fight against galamsey as a collective national responsibility rather than a political weapon, emphasizing that without unity, the nation’s natural resources and future generations will pay the price.
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