Renowned physician and political activist Dr. Arthur Kennedy has sharply criticized Ghana’s major political parties for their lack of commitment to addressing the pressing issue of illegal mining, or galamsey.
Kennedy argued that the reluctance to combat galamsey stems from the vested interests of political parties in illegal activities. He claimed that many Members of Parliament and party elders are actively involved in or financing illegal mining operations.
Kennedy emphasized that unless these influential figures are sanctioned, the galamsey menace will persist. He called for a firm political will and a collective effort from all stakeholders to overcome the challenge.
Kennedy disclosed that he had appealed to Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II to engage with key political parties and advocate for an extraordinary approach to address the crisis. He stressed that the problem cannot be solved through conventional methods and requires decisive action against those involved in illegal mining.
“Let’s find the big people who are funding them to arrest them and sentence them to prison,” Kennedy said. “Most of the big people are party elders and members of parliament. We are beating around the bush.”
Kennedy’s comments highlight the growing frustration with the government’s lack of progress in combating galamsey, which has had devastating consequences for Ghana’s environment and economy.
