Ghanaian poet and playwright Chief Moomen has attributed the increasing cases of illegal mining in Ghana, known locally as galamsey, to a lack of political will to enforce existing laws.

Speaking in an interview on Joy FM, Chief Moomen explained that without efforts from the entire government structure to end illegal mining, all attempts to tackle the issue will be futile.

"The governance and state system has been ineffective, no matter how brilliant the policies are, if we do not have the political will to implement the laws, to implement those policies, to hold people accountable, then this problem is just going to get worse."

He stressed that the solution to the galamsey issue is not complicated but requires strong political will.

"Until we have leadership that is willing to exercise its power from the district assembly level all the way to the presidency, if that system fails then we will only be pouring water into an empty basket," he added.

Chief Moomen made these comments while discussing the impact of galamsey on Ghanaian citizens with other creatives.

His remarks come amid increasing demands from various labour groups, environmentalists, health practitioners, clergy, and concerned citizens for stricter government measures to address the galamsey crisis, which has led to escalating environmental damage.

Meanwhile, in response to the suspended strike by Organised Labour, President Nana Akufo-Addo has announced measures to combat galamsey, including deploying additional military personnel, suspending mining in forest reserves, strengthening the prosecution of illegal mining cases, and calling for a national pact on illegal mining.

ID/KA

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