The Minority in Parliament’s description of the Jubilee House meeting on the way forward in the so-called galamsey war as a publicity stunt is apt.
For a long time under the previous regime the same CSOs which assembled to discuss the subject let out a number of recommendations which are available even on the internet.
One of them which is now a household expression is the declaration of a state of emergency in illegal mining areas.
We recall some NDC activists who now hold top appointments in government as boasting that the canker can be stopped within two weeks even though they are now running away from that.
What therefore stops them from doing so now that they are at the helm?
With the mantle in their hands now we expect them to dish out the solution which they made to look so simple. Even the then opposition leader, John Mahama promised to end the galamsey canker within two weeks if he was handed with power, as if he had not failed in that enterprise in his previous role as a president between 2012-2016. That was when galamsey became a household name, with his successor declaring an almost two years moratorium on small scale mining upon taking over from him.
Assembling so many persons all in the name of seeking a way out of the quagmire of galamsey is undoubtedly intended to present government as seriously working to stop the illegality.
Engaging CSOs as government did does not make sense when during an earlier engagement with the media at Jubilee House the President said that it is better for indigenes of the country to degrade the environment as they seek gold than foreigners to do so. After all the proceeds will remain within our borders he added.
To express this position and turn round to seek a way out cannot represent a sincere position on the sore subject of galamsey.
Government is playing a mind game with Ghanaians and as it does the environment continues to get degraded and availability of potable water slipping out of our hands.
The occasional arrest of persons involved in illegal mining is part of the publicity stunt intended to present a picture of seriousness in fighting galamsey.
We recall the directive by the President to the Attorney General to have EOCO probe the National Organiser of the NDC Joseph Yamin and a National Vice Chairman, Yakubu Abanga over alleged galamsey activities.
They have not been invited let alone investigated. Joseph Yamin was reported to have warned that should the authorities press on with probing him he would spill the beans. What does he know which others don’t?
Since that threat nothing has been heard about the probe. Perhaps government, scared of disturbing the hornets’ nest has decided to let sleeping dogs lie.
Let us be serious as a country and allow the laws of the land to work. Not allowing the country to be ruled by the law will drive us to a ditch.
Selective justice is holding sway and the people are watching.
For some the law does not apply to them but for others even bail conditions are so high they have become punitive.
