Ghana once hailed as a beacon of hope in Africa for its democratic governance and economic promise, now faces an existential environmental crisis. The destruction of its natural environment by illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, is a stain on the conscience of the nation. It is impossible to ignore the glaring question: where does President Nana Akufo-Addo stand in this battle? Has he truly upheld his responsibility as a leader entrusted with safeguarding the nation’s future?

The Galamsey Crisis: A Wound on Ghana’s Environment

Galamsey has left a trail of environmental destruction across Ghana. Rivers that once provided clean water for millions are now toxic, polluted with mercury and cyanide from illegal mining operations. Farmlands have been ravaged, leaving farmers destitute and food security at risk. Forest reserves, vital for mitigating climate change, have been stripped bare, exposing the nation to desertification and the loss of biodiversity.

Despite the President’s repeated promises to eradicate galamsey, the scourge continues unabated. In 2017, Nana Akufo-Addo declared the fight against galamsey a personal priority, stating he was putting his presidency on the line to address it. However, seven years later, the devastating effects of galamsey persist, raising questions about the sincerity and effectiveness of his administration’s efforts.

The Cost of Inaction on Sustainable Development

Sustainable development is more than a buzzword; it is the cornerstone of a nation's future. It means balancing economic growth with environmental protection and social equity. Galamsey undermines all three pillars of sustainable development:

1. Environmental Integrity: The destruction of forests, water bodies, and arable land severely compromises the ability of future generations to meet their needs. The country’s natural resources, which should serve as an inheritance for all Ghanaians, are being plundered for the benefit of a few.
2. Economic Resilience: The short-term economic gains from galamsey are dwarfed by the long-term costs. The loss of agricultural productivity, the expense of rehabilitating destroyed ecosystems, and the health implications of polluted water sources place a heavy burden on the economy.
3. Social Equity: Galamsey exacerbates inequality, as the benefits are concentrated among a small group of illegal miners and their enablers, while the costs—pollution, displacement, and poverty—are borne by rural communities.

By failing to tackle galamsey effectively, the government has not only jeopardized the environment but has also compromised Ghana’s ability to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to clean water, climate action, and life on land.

Unanswered Questions on Accountability

The government’s failure to eliminate galamsey cannot be attributed solely to the complexity of the issue. Several questions demand answers:

• What happened to the commitment of "putting his presidency on the line"?
• Why have influential figures allegedly linked to galamsey been left unpunished?
• How has the inter-agency task force failed to make lasting progress, despite substantial resources?

These unanswered questions suggest that political will, rather than technical capacity, is the missing ingredient. Leadership requires the courage to make unpopular decisions and enforce laws without fear or favor, even when it means confronting powerful interests within one’s own party or government.

A Plea to Conscience

President Nana Akufo-Addo still has the opportunity to salvage his legacy by addressing the galamsey crisis with renewed vigor. History will not judge him kindly if he fails to act decisively in the face of this environmental catastrophe.

Leadership is not just about speeches and policies; it is about results. Ghana’s environment, its people, and its future depend on the decisions made today. It is time for the President to reflect deeply on his conscience, to stand firm against the forces that perpetuate galamsey, and to ensure that the nation’s resources are preserved for generations to come.

In the words of the late Kofi Annan, “You are never too young to lead, and you should never doubt your capacity to triumph where others have not.” President Akufo-Addo must embrace this spirit and lead the charge to end galamsey once and for all. The question remains: will he rise to the challenge, or will he be remembered as the leader who let Ghana’s future slip through his fingers?

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OSAGYEFO Ernest De-Graft Egyir
Founding CEO, Chief Executives Network Ghana and Ghana CEO Summit.