Kate Gyamfua
In a stunning declaration, Kate Gyamfua, National Women’s Organizer of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), has controversially suggested that the fight against illegal mining, known as galamsey, should be postponed until after the upcoming elections. Her remarks imply that protecting Ghana’s natural resources takes a back seat to electoral ambitions.
During an appearance on Adom TV, Gyamfua asserted that prioritizing environmental protection ahead of the December polls could jeopardize the NPP’s chances at the ballot box. Reflecting on the party’s previous performance, she noted that during President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s intensified campaign against illegal mining in 2020, the NPP suffered significant losses in nearly all mining constituencies, aside from Tarkwa.
“The fight against galamsey should wait until after the elections,” she stated unequivocally. “Then we’ll all join the protest against it. For now, we need to focus on the votes!”
Her comments have triggered widespread backlash from environmental advocates and the public, who accuse her of prioritizing politics over the nation’s ecological well-being. The illegal mining crisis has wreaked havoc across Ghana, contaminating rivers, decimating forests, and endangering communities. Yet Gyamfua seems to believe that winning votes is a more pressing concern.
Critics have been quick to condemn her stance. “This is outrageous! How can the NPP, a party that claims to care for the people, suggest that protecting the environment can wait?” exclaimed one environmental advocate.
Gyamfua’s remarks have exposed deep fissures within the NPP regarding its commitment to addressing the galamsey issue. In 2020, President Akufo-Addo vowed to eradicate illegal mining, launching a high-profile campaign to combat the destructive activity. However, his efforts faced stiff opposition from mining communities, which ultimately affected the party’s performance at the polls.
Her recent comments indicate that the NPP has learned a hard lesson from the past election, yet many wonder at what cost. Rivers and forests continue to suffer from the toxic impact of illegal mining operations, with chemicals like mercury polluting water sources and decimating fish stocks. For the NPP, it appears that securing votes has taken precedence over safeguarding the environment.
Political analysts are warning that Gyamfua’s statements could have serious repercussions for the NPP. “The environmental damage is irreparable,” one commentator warned. “If the NPP delays action on galamsey until after the elections, it could be too late to preserve Ghana’s precious natural resources.”
As the elections approach, the NPP faces a critical dilemma: prioritize electoral gains or protect the environment. For the moment, it seems they have made their choice—one that may carry heavy consequences for Ghana’s future.
With this election not merely a struggle for political power but a fight for the nation’s environmental integrity, the stakes have never been higher. Will the NPP sacrifice Ghana’s natural resources for votes, or will they take a principled stand for the future, even if it costs them at the polls? The answer remains to be seen.
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