Jobs and galamsey should be joint precedence below Mahama — Vicky Bright – Life Pulse Daily
Editor-in-chiefJanuary 5, 20264 Mins read24
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Jobs and Galamsey Should Be Joint Precedence Under Mahama — Vicky Bright
Introduction
In the wake of President John Dramani Mahama’s return to power for his second term, a critical debate has emerged regarding Ghana’s policy direction. The intersection of economic survival and environmental preservation has become the focal point of national discourse. Lawyer and sales strategist Vicky Bright has recently voiced a compelling argument that the new administration cannot afford to tackle these challenges in isolation. Her message is clear: the fight against illegal mining, known locally as galamsey, and the drive for job creation are inextricably linked. This article explores her perspective, analyzing why a dual-priority approach is essential for Ghana’s long-term stability and how the government can navigate this complex landscape.
Key Points
To understand the core of Vicky Bright’s advocacy, it is essential to distill her message into its most vital components. Her recent appearance on the PleasureNews’ AM Show highlighted several non-negotiable priorities for the Mahama administration.
The Dual Priority Strategy
Bright argues against a binary choice between the economy and the environment. Instead, she proposes a “joint first” approach. The central thesis is that sustainable economic growth cannot exist on poisoned land, and environmental protection cannot thrive in an atmosphere of economic desperation.
Protection of the Youth
A recurring theme in her discourse is the protection of Ghanaian youth. She views the younger generation not just as beneficiaries of policy but as the very engine of the nation’s survival. Consequently, policies must simultaneously offer them legitimate economic avenues while shielding them from the dangers of illegal mining.
Background
To fully appreciate the weight of Vicky Bright’s statement, one must understand the context of illegal mining in Ghana. Galamsey is not a new phenomenon, but its scale and environmental impact have escalated dramatically over the last decade. It involves the use of rudimentary and often unregulated methods to extract gold, leading to widespread devastation.
The environmental cost is staggering. Major water bodies such as the Pra, Ankobra, and Offin rivers have been heavily polluted with silt and toxic chemicals like mercury, rendering them unsafe for drinking and aquatic life. Furthermore, vast tracts of fertile agricultural land have been destroyed, threatening the nation’s food security.
Economically, the situation is equally complex. Despite the illegality, galamsey serves as a primary source of income for many unemployed youth in rural communities. The lack of viable job opportunities drives many into the hands of illegal mining syndicates. The Mahama administration, having campaigned on promises of economic revitalization, now faces the daunting task of dismantling this illicit economy without plunging thousands of families into poverty.
Analysis
Vicky Bright’s assertion that “there’s no point in creating jobs if we are killing people” serves as a powerful analytical lens through which to view the current crisis. This section breaks down the logic behind her proposal.
The Interconnectedness of Economy and Ecology
Bright’s argument dismantles the traditional silos of “Ministry of Employment” versus “Ministry of Environment.” In reality, these sectors are symbiotic. When water bodies are polluted, the health implications lead to increased public healthcare costs and a loss of workforce productivity. When farmlands are destroyed, food prices rise, increasing the cost of living and reducing the disposable income that drives the economy.
Therefore, treating environmental protection as a secondary issue to job creation is a strategic error. It creates a “robbing Peter to pay Paul” scenario where the jobs created today destroy the resources needed for tomorrow’s prosperity.
The Dangers of Unregulated Labor
By framing galamsey as a labor issue, Bright highlights the vulnerability of the youth. Illegal mining is notoriously dangerous, with frequent reports of tunnel collapses and mercury poisoning. If the government focuses solely on job creation numbers without addressing the quality and safety of employment, it fails its moral obligation to the youth. Bright’s call is essentially a demand for ethical economic development.
Practical Advice
For the Mahama administration to translate Vicky Bright’s advice into actionable policy, a multi-faceted strategy is required. Here are practical steps that align with her joint-priority vision:
1. Diversify Rural Economies
To stop galamsey, the government must provide alternatives. Investing in agribusiness, processing plants, and renewable energy projects in mining communities can absorb the labor force currently engaged in illegal mining. These sectors offer sustainable jobs and income without environmental degradation.
2. Formalize and Regulate Small-Scale Mining
While the call is to fight illegal mining, the government should streamline the process for legal small-scale mining (licensing, environmental impact assessments). By making legal mining accessible and profitable, the incentive to operate illegally diminishes. This approach turns a criminal activity into a regulated tax-revenue generator.
3. Educational and Vocational Campaigns
Bright’s emphasis on the youth suggests a need for skills training. The government should launch vocational programs specifically targeted at communities affected by the galamsey crackdown, offering training in trades such as masonry, tailoring, and technology.
FAQ
What does “galamsey” mean?
“Galamsey” is a Ghanaian colloquialism derived from the phrase “gather and sell.” It refers to small-scale, predominantly illegal mining operations that extract gold from the earth, often using heavy machinery and toxic chemicals like mercury.
Why is Vicky Bright calling for a joint priority?
She believes that treating job creation and the fight against illegal mining as separate goals is ineffective. She argues that creating jobs without addressing the environmental destruction caused by galamsey is counterproductive, as the health and environmental costs will eventually negate economic gains.
How does galamsey affect the Ghanaian economy?
While it provides income for some, illegal mining negatively impacts the economy by destroying water infrastructure (increasing treatment costs), ruining agricultural land (reducing food production), and degrading the environment, which deters tourism and foreign investment.
What is the role of the youth in this context?
According to Vicky Bright, the youth are central to Ghana’s survival. They are the most affected demographic, often driven into galamsey by a lack of alternatives. Protecting them involves providing safe, sustainable employment and removing them from hazardous mining environments.
Conclusion
Vicky Bright’s intervention offers a timely roadmap for the Mahama administration. By insisting that jobs and galamsey be treated as a joint priority, she challenges the government to adopt a holistic view of development. The path forward requires balancing immediate economic needs with long-term environmental stewardship. Success will not be measured merely by the number of jobs created, but by the sustainability of the industries that provide them and the preservation of Ghana’s natural heritage for future generations.
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