A member of the Ho Central Constituency Communications Team of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Vormawu Kojo Cardigah, has called for the depoliticization of the fight against artisanal mining (galamsey) in Ghana. Speaking on the GBC Volta Star Radio morning show, Cardigah emphasized that the fight against galamsey should not be politicized, stating that “A crime is a crime and has no political pigmentation.”
Cardigah’s comments come in the wake of the Lands Minister revoking 278 small-scale mining licenses due to regulatory breaches. He clarified that there’s no information on the political affiliations of the individuals behind the affected businesses, dismissing claims that the NPP government didn’t take action against galamsey. Cardigah highlighted Operation Galamstop and the state of emergency declared by former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo as evidence of the NPP’s efforts to combat galamsey.
He recalled the seizure and burning of excavators during the operation and criticized the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) for politicizing the issue, claiming the government’s actions were destroying Ghanaians’ income-earning activities. Cardigah noted that promises made by the current NDC government to release those arrested during the clampdown are coming back to haunt them, adding, “It’s time to walk the talk.”
Cardigah stressed that whoever is found engaging in galamsey is a “nation wrecker” and must face consequences, regardless of political affiliation.
He ended by saying ” Withdrawal of licenses won’t stop galamsey automatically. The government must put in more measures to end this menace which must involve the Chiefs and people of the communities in question”
