Prof. Gyampo Urges Non-Partisan Approach to Illegal Mining, Criticizes NPP’s Record

 

Professor Ransford Gyampo, a Political Science lecturer at the University of Ghana and CEO of the Ghana Shippers Authority, has delivered a scathing critique of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) over its handling of illegal mining—locally known as galamsey.

In a statement posted on social media, Prof. Gyampo expressed deep concern over what he sees as the politicization of Ghana’s efforts to combat illegal mining. He accused the NPP of being a major contributor to the problem during its eight-year tenure in government, and criticized the party for now trying to portray itself as a reformist force on the issue.

“The NPP lacks the credibility to lead this conversation,” Prof. Gyampo asserted. “They passed laws allowing mining in forest reserves and issued over 2,000 licenses to party loyalists, which directly led to the large-scale destruction of land and water bodies.”

He emphasized that the national campaign against illegal mining must move beyond partisan politics. Instead, he called for respected, independent civic organizations such as the Coalition Against Galamsey, the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG), and the OneGhana Movement to spearhead advocacy and reform efforts.

Prof. Gyampo acknowledged recent government initiatives, including the deployment of police to reclaim nine forest reserves and the proposed repeal of mining-friendly legislation enacted by the previous administration. While he welcomed these actions, he insisted they were insufficient.

“We need to shut the tap that is causing the flooding before we begin mopping the floor,” he remarked, advocating for the declaration of a national state of emergency to aggressively confront illegal mining activities.

He further condemned past political interference in anti-galamsey campaigns, citing examples such as the intimidation of labor leaders, misinformation about health risks, and efforts to silence prominent whistleblowers like Professor Frimpong-Boateng.

Concluding his statement, Prof. Gyampo reaffirmed his commitment to influencing national policy from within established systems, advocating for evidence-based, apolitical solutions to the galamsey crisis.

“I fight to shape and influence policy first from within. I am sometimes successful, and other times I just have to keep pushing. And this I will continue to do—not for self, but for Ghana, our Motherland,” he concluded.

Source:  mynewsgh