Head Pastor of the Rehoboth Network of Churches, Rev. (Capt.) Dr Henry Godson-Afful, has urged political leaders to take the fight against illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, out of partisan politics.

Speaking on JoyNews’ Newsfile on Saturday, August 16, he said the scourge cannot be defeated if it continues to be used as a tool for political point-scoring.

“The only way this fight can be won is if we depoliticise it,” Dr Godson-Afful emphasised.

According to him, both major political parties have, at different times, promised to deal decisively with the menace, but their actions in government have often been shaped more by political convenience than by genuine concern for the nation’s survival.

Dr Godson-Afful also reflected on the recent military helicopter crash at Adansi Akrofoum in the Ashanti Region, which claimed the lives of eight prominent figures, including Defence Minister Dr Edward Omane Boamah and Environment Minister Dr Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed.

He said the tragedy, which was marked by a state funeral on Friday, August 15, at the Black Star Square, should remind leaders of the need to rise above partisan divides and put the country first.