Prof calls out Ghana parties over galamsey mess

A top accounting expert says both major political parties in Ghana have failed to stop illegal mining activities known as galamsey. Professor Joseph Agyemang from the University of South Africa believes the National Democratic Congress and New Patriotic Party treat this national crisis as a political game instead of working together. He thinks the parties use mining issues to win votes rather than protect the country.

The professor criticized the NDC for making campaign promises to release imprisoned miners if elected. He questioned how a party with these promises can claim to fight against illegal mining. Agyemang also called the government task force against mining a farce, saying the military should handle enforcement without political meddling.

According to Agyemang, financial factors drive illegal mining growth across Ghana. He pointed out that reducing mining royalties sent to local municipalities encourages illegal operations. The accounting scholar suggested that increasing royalty shares for traditional leaders might create jobs for young people. He also noted that local authorities often ignore mining activities because they lack motivation to collect taxes, sometimes accepting bribes instead of enforcing rules.