James Kwabena Bomfeh, a social commentator and a political activist, has called for the adoption of drastic and more draconian measures to address the menace of illegal mining in the country.

According to the politician who is the former General Secretary of the Convention People’s Party, it is high time the country uses an iron fist to name and shame key political figures and apparatchiks contributing to the devastation of water bodies in some parts of the country.

Kabila, as he is affectionately known, stated on Peace FM's Kokrokoo on September 25, 2024, that progress can be made if issues related to galamsey activities are addressed strictly and not with leniency.

“When the issue of galamsey comes up, we must stop speculating and boldly name them. The other time in my hometown Bamboi, an individual came trying to use a minister’s name to mine in the town and I went to fight it. It turns out the person was lying unknown to the state.

“They were entertaining this guy and charging GH¢20,000 in Bamboi. They are entertaining people to engage in illegal mining. What is the verdict of the people on the illegality in the country. We should address this matter with honesty,” he said.

Kabila disclosed how some politically exposed individuals are entertaining and enabling galamsey operators to destroy the environment in exchange for minimal benefits.

He emphasised the need to expose those in authority implicated in galamsey activities without fear or favor.

“… let us name and shame all the persons backing and entertaining these illegal miners and act on it. Chiefs who were bold enough to ban activities of illegal mining in their towns have seen progress and the illegal miners have not made an attempt to step foot there. We have seen examples like that so how come some places are being destroyed by mining,” he added.

MAG/AE