Failure to get to the bottom of galamsey risk may ship gov’t to opposition – Dr Asah-Asante warns

Introduction

In a stark political warning, Dr. Asah-Asante, a respected Political Scientist, has signaled that the current administration’s inability to curb illegal mining—known locally as galamsey—could result in a devastating loss at the polls. Speaking on the AM Show on January 1, 2026, Dr. Asah-Asante argued that the fading zeal in the fight against illegal mining is not just an environmental failure but a looming political catastrophe. With water scarcity reaching critical levels in the Central Region and food security under threat, the socio-economic consequences of galamsey are now inextricably linked to the government’s political survival.

This article analyzes Dr. Asah-Asante’s critique, exploring why the galamsey risk is a litmus test for governance, the specific environmental damages cited, and the practical steps required to avert both an environmental crisis and political opposition.

Key Points

Background

What is Galamsey?

Galamsey is a local colloquialism derived from “gather and sell.” It refers to small-scale, informal, and often illegal mining operations in Ghana. While historically a means of livelihood for many rural Ghanaians, modern galamsey has evolved into a highly destructive industry characterized by the use of heavy machinery, mercury, and cyanic to extract gold, often without regard for environmental regulations or land rights.

The Political Context

The fight against illegal mining has been a recurring theme in Ghanaian politics. Successive governments have launched various operations, such as “Operation Vanguard,” to curb the menace. However, the persistence of the activity suggests deep-seated economic and structural challenges. Dr. Asah-Asante’s comments on January 1, 2026, highlight a growing frustration among the electorate who are witnessing the degradation of their natural resources despite political promises.

Dr. Asah-Asante’s Perspective

Dr. Asah-Asante is not merely an observer; he is a voice of political reason. His intervention on PleasureNews’ AM Show serves as a barometer for public sentiment. He emphasizes that the political fortunes of any administration are tied to its ability to provide basic necessities—water being paramount. By linking the price of water in Winneba to the galamsey debate, he grounds a high-level political argument in the daily struggles of the average citizen.

Analysis

The Link Between Environmental Neglect and Political Survival

Dr. Asah-Asante’s warning is rooted in the fundamental concept of the social contract. Governments are elected to protect the welfare of the people. When illegal mining leads to the pollution of water bodies, it violates this contract. The statement “if the government doesn’t fix that problem, it is one of the things that can send the government to opposition” is not hyperbole; it is a prediction based on historical voting patterns where economic hardship and resource mismanagement have led to regime change.

Economic Implications: The Cost of Water

The specific reference to the Central Region, particularly Winneba, provides a microcosm of the national crisis. When citizens are forced to purchase water at 5 Cedis a gallon, the economic burden becomes immediate and visceral. This is no longer just an environmental issue; it is a cost-of-living crisis. The ripple effect extends to industries that rely on clean water, increasing operational costs and threatening livelihoods.

Failure of Enforcement and Prosecution

A critical aspect of Dr. Asah-Asante’s analysis is the “fading zeal.” The initial excitement of launching an anti-galamsey task force often dissipates when faced with the complex reality of enforcement. The lack of prosecution of offenders signals impunity. When the public perceives that the law is applied selectively, trust in the government erodes. Dr. Asah-Asante notes that the narrative has shifted to “the fact that the government has failed to prosecute people,” which undermines the deterrent effect of the government’s policies.

Food Security and Export Risks

The contamination of water has a direct correlation to food safety. Agriculture relies heavily on water. Using polluted water for irrigation introduces heavy metals and toxins into the food chain. This poses a dual threat: domestic health risks for consumers and trade barriers for exporters. If Ghanaian produce is found to contain high levels of contaminants due to galamsey, international markets may reject them, crippling the agricultural economy.

Practical Advice

For Policymakers: A Multi-Faceted Approach

To heed Dr. Asah-Asante’s warning and avert political and environmental disaster, the government must:

1. Enhance Prosecution Mechanisms: Move beyond arrests to effective, transparent, and swift prosecution of illegal miners and their financiers.
2. Invest in Water Infrastructure: While fighting the pollution source, the government must subsidize water access in affected regions like Winneba to alleviate the immediate economic burden on citizens.
3. Community Engagement: Engage local leaders and youth to provide alternative livelihoods that are economically viable without destroying the environment.

For the Public

• Report Activities: Citizens should utilize official channels to report illegal mining activities.
• Advocacy: Civil society organizations must maintain pressure on the government to ensure the “zeal” does not die down.
• Safe Water Practices: In the interim, residents in affected areas should utilize filtration systems or boil water to mitigate health risks, although this is a temporary solution to a systemic problem.

FAQ

Conclusion

Dr. Asah-Asante’s warning is a clarion call that extends beyond environmental advocacy; it is a strategic political analysis. The galamsey risk is not merely about dirty water; it is about the rising cost of living, public health, and the fundamental trust between the government and the governed. As water prices soar in Winneba and prosecution rates remain low, the path to the opposition benches becomes clearer for the current administration. To secure a future in governance, the government must not only “sit up” but take decisive, verifiable action to end illegal mining immediately.