Ghana Faces Mounting Crisis Over Illegal Mining as Political Tensions Rise

Ghana is grappling with a worsening crisis of illegal mining, known locally as 'galamsey,' which is causing severe environmental destruction and sparking intense political debate. The issue has become a major point of contention between the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), with both sides accusing each other of hypocrisy and inaction. Civil society groups, university associations, and traditional leaders are demanding urgent government intervention, including calls for a state of emergency, stricter laws, and prosecution of those involved regardless of political affiliation. Despite government assurances of political will and recent arrests, critics argue that little progress has been made and that state actors may be shielding illegal operations. The ongoing crisis threatens Ghana's environment, public trust in governance, and the livelihoods of communities affected by mining activities.