Economist and Senior Lecturer at the University of Ghana, Dr George Domfeh, has criticised some individuals and groups who actively campaigned against illegal small-scale mining, popularly known as galamsey, accusing them of exploiting the fight for personal benefit rather than a genuine commitment to environmental protection.
He has uestioned the apparent silence of some anti-galamsey campaigners despite what he described as a worsening situation, arguing that their previous activism raised concerns about the motives behind their involvement in the campaign.
“We live in a world where criminals are glorified, mediocrity is rewarded, and incompetence is worshipped,” he wrote in a social media post.
Dr Domfeh further alleged that some individuals used their involvement in anti-galamsey advocacy to enrich themselves and acquired expensive vehicles, suggesting that their enthusiasm for the campaign had diminished because their personal interests are no longer being served.
“Some exploited galamsey advocacy to enrich themselves and acquire expensive cars. Today, galamsey is even worse, yet these greedy crusaders have gone mute!” he stated.
He argued that the perceived silence of these individuals raises questions about whether their activism had been driven by genuine environmental concerns or personal gain.
“Apparently, the fight was never about saving the environment but about personal gain. What hypocrisy!” he added.
His comments brings renewed attention to the role of civil society groups, youth activists, labour organisations and other stakeholders who mounted pressure on the government to address illegal mining ahead of the December 7, 2024 general elections.
In the months leading up to the 2024 general elections, several groups organised demonstrations, marches and other public actions to demand stronger measures against illegal mining.
The protests were driven by concerns over the destruction of forest reserves, the pollution of rivers and other water bodies, and the potential consequences of environmental degradation for public health and livelihoods.
Among the prominent movements were Democracy Hub’s anti-galamsey demonstrations, including activities associated with the #StopGalamseyNow and #ReOccupyJulorbiHouse campaigns.
The activists called for decisive government intervention, with demands including the declaration of a state of emergency in areas affected by illegal mining.
Some of the demonstrations resulted in arrests, drawing further attention to the relationship between public protest, law enforcement and citizens’ constitutional rights.
Other advocacy groups, including the National Coalition Against Galamsey and Concerned Citizens Against Galamsey, also organised demonstrations to demand accountability and urgent action to protect the country’s natural resources.
A multi-day demonstration held in Accra from October 3 to 5, 2024, formed part of the broader campaign to pressure the authorities to respond to the environmental damage associated with illegal mining.
The protesters sought to draw attention to the impact of galamsey on water bodies, forests and communities, while calling on state institutions to take more effective action against those responsible.
The anti-galamsey campaign also attracted the involvement of organised labour, which announced plans for a nationwide strike in October 2024 to pressure the government to address illegal mining.
The proposed industrial action was scheduled for October 10, 2024, but was subsequently suspended following emergency discussions with state authorities.
The involvement of organised labour demonstrated the extent to which concerns about illegal mining had moved beyond environmental advocacy to become a broader national issue involving workers, public institutions and communities dependent on clean water and a healthy environment.
Religious organisations also joined the campaign, with the Catholic Church and other faith-based groups organising environmental prayer walks and calling for stronger protections for rivers and forest reserves.
Meanwhile, Amnesty International Ghana expressed support for peaceful assemblies and highlighted the importance of protecting the rights of people participating in demonstrations.
However, not all stakeholders supported demands for a blanket ban on small-scale mining. The Responsible Small-Scale Miners Association mobilised to defend regulated mining activities, arguing that restrictions should distinguish between licensed operators and those engaged in illegal mining.
The debate reflected the difficulty of addressing galamsey while balancing environmental protection, lawful economic activity and the livelihoods of people dependent on mining.
Against this background, Dr Domfeh’s latest comments challenge some of the individuals who were prominent in the anti-galamsey campaign to demonstrate that their commitment to environmental protection extends beyond periods of intense public attention.
His central argument is that advocacy against illegal mining should be driven by a sustained commitment to protecting the environment rather than personal interests or political considerations.
By questioning the apparent silence of some campaigners, he has raised concerns about consistency and accountability within the broader anti-galamsey movement.
Illegal mining remains a major environmental and governance concern in the country, with the protection of water bodies, forest reserves and agricultural lands continuing to feature prominently in national discussions.
Addressing the problem requires sustained enforcement of mining regulations, accountability for those involved in illegal operations, and measures to prevent the destruction of environmentally sensitive areas.
It also requires cooperation among government agencies, traditional authorities, mining communities, civil society organisations and legitimate small-scale miners.
Dr Domfeh’s criticism raises a broader question about the sustainability of public advocacy: whether individuals and organisations that mobilise citizens around major national concerns remain actively engaged when public attention shifts.
For the anti-galamsey campaign, the central issue remains the need for consistent action to protect Ghana’s natural resources, regardless of political cycles or changes in public attention.
While his allegations may prompt debate about the motives of some campaigners, establishing whether particular individuals benefited personally from their activism would require specific evidence.
Ultimately, the effectiveness of the fight against illegal mining will be measured not simply by the number of demonstrations organised or statements issued, but by tangible progress in protecting rivers, forests and the livelihoods of communities affected by environmental degradation.
By 1960news.com
