The Progressive Peoples Party has taken a serious swipe at the devastating effect of the prevalent illegal mining also known as galamsey in some parts of the country, urging the President to stop what they describe as lawlessness within 3 month or face charges in the International Criminal Court (ICC).

According to the Progressive People’s party, the rate of recurrence of galamsey is symbolic of lack of Leadership displayed by the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP), adding that the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) has also been an all-time key contributor of the crisis.

Addressing the Press at the National headquarters of PPP in Accra, the National Chairman, Nii Allotey Brew Hammond, asserted that both NPP and NDC are net beneficiaries of the proceeds from galamsey hence their reluctant approach to end the crisis.

‘We demand that the President takes urgent step to tackle the lawlessness to save the country from degenerating into an ungovernable society. Galamsey has been around for decades under the watch of both NPP and NDC administration, and by their omissions and commissions have benefited from galamsey proceeds when in government, but turn around to blame the other when in opposition’.

According Mr. Hammond, Ghana will be importing safe drinking water in less than five years if serious action is not taken by government to lessen galamsey and it devastating effect, demanding that the President gather the political will to stop galamsey or face charges on crime against humanity in the International Criminal Court.

‘We expect the NPP government to gather the political will to prosecute and extradite all foreign galamseyers from country so farmers can cultivate more crops. ’

PPP also noted that, a reliable information for the Ministry of Lands and Natural resources revealed that about 60% to 70% of the excavators in the country are used for illegal mining instead of the road construction.

Effect
Illegal mining has been a major national development challenge that many governments have grappled with over the years.

Apart from depriving the country of its agricultural land, the practice has resulted in the pollution of major water bodies, depriving many people of their sources of livelihood.

In some cases, the illegal miners, mostly Chinese, have had violent confrontations with residents of communities where the practice goes on, leading to loss of lives and properties.

Some traditional rulers and opinion leaders have been linked to the practice because they appear to be providing space for the illegal miners to operate.