Vincent Kusi Kyei, National Treasurer of the Ghana Institute of Foresters (GIF), has raised concerns over the country’s diminishing resolve in combating illegal mining, warning that the devastating impact on Ghana’s water bodies reflects a lack of seriousness at the national level.

Speaking on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem, Mr. Kyei commended President John Mahama for his intent but criticised the slow pace and weak enforcement of anti-galamsey measures, suggesting the government has yet to demonstrate genuine commitment.

“The real test lies in securing convictions. We arrest galamsey perpetrators, but how many have actually been prosecuted? We should ask our judges,” he said.

Mr. Kyei contrasted national enforcement with traditional authority, recalling how full compliance followed a directive from the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, after the death of the Asantehemaa, Nana Konadu Yiadom III.

“When Otumfuo issued an order for everyone to stay indoors, everyone obeyed. I am not making any tribal statement, but if the Commander-in-Chief makes a declaration, it should be enforced,” he noted.

He expressed disappointment over President Mahama’s recent remark that Ghana had “not yet reached the point of declaring a state of emergency” over galamsey.

“It really pained me. I was hurt when the President said we are not yet at the point for a state of emergency,” he lamented, questioning the reluctance given the current environmental threats.

Mr. Kyei also criticised political labelling as a shield against accountability, highlighting that the destruction of water bodies affects all Ghanaians regardless of political affiliation.

He called for urgent and decisive action, stressing that the environmental crisis is no longer partisan but existential.