Political scientist Dr Asah Asante has cautioned the government to take decisive action against illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, warning that failure to do so could have dire political consequences in the 2028 general elections.
Speaking on the AM Show, Dr Asante emphasized that illegal mining remains one of the biggest threats to Ghana’s economy and environment, and any administration that neglects it risks losing public trust.
“I want the government to muster courage, put its foot down, and fight this galamsey menace head-on. Because what happened to the NPP, if this government refuses to pay attention to galamsey, the story will not be different in 2028,” he warned.
He explained that voters often assess governments based on economic performance and the impact of policies on their livelihoods. According to him, illegal mining not only undermines economic stability but also creates “constituency-specific issues” that could politically damage the ruling party.
Dr Asante further stressed that governance should not merely focus on maintaining political power but on improving citizens’ lives through decisive and effective policies. “We don’t govern just because we want to win power. Governance must bring hope, must bring joy, and at the end of the day, improve our livelihoods. Without it, nobody believes in anything called governance,” he added.
He pointed to the outcome of the last general election as evidence that Ghanaians expect strong leadership on national challenges like illegal mining. Dr Asante insisted that the current administration has “what it takes to turn things around” and must act swiftly to restore confidence.
Illegal mining continues to pose a major environmental and political challenge in Ghana, threatening rivers, farmlands, and local economies. Despite numerous government pledges to end the practice, galamsey remains widespread, often surfacing as a key issue during election campaigns.
Dr Asante concluded by warning that if the government fails to act decisively, it could face the same political consequences that befell its predecessors.
