Ghana’s mineral deposits have become a curse – NDC’s Osei Akoto

A member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Henry Osei Akoto, says Ghana’s rich mineral deposits have become the cause of Ghana’s woes.

According to him, what is supposed to be the source of blessing to the country has turned out to be its worst nightmare.

“Ghana’s economy with its mineral deposits have become like a curse to us. We have been engaged in mining for over 4,000 years but have never seen this kind of mass destruction. We have mismanaged our mineral sector and we will suffer dearly for it,” Henry Osei Akoto told Don Kwabena Prah on Happy98.9FM’s ‘Epa Hoa Daben’ political talk show.

With the mass destruction of land and water resources associated with galamsey, he posits Ghana’s mining opportunities and wealth creating avenue has made the country accursed.

“What is going on in the mining areas is dangerous. Companies with mining permits and those engaged in illegal mining are all destroying the environment. Any country which engages in this kind of mining will have its water bodies polluted in the next ten years,” he professed.

The politician lamented at the extent at which lip service is given to the fight against galamsey with no active steps being taken to end it.

President Akufo-Addo put his presidency on the line in the fight against galamsey, however, Henry Osei Akoto argues the President has failed in this regard.

Ghana’s tradition of artisanal gold mining and the gold price boom which began in 2007 led tens of thousands of Chinese migrants to seek their fortunes in Ghana.

Bringing heavy machinery, illegal Chinese gold miners precipitated economic and social instability as well as increases in gun violence, drug trafficking and corruption

Ghana is working hard to fight against illegal mining – or galamsey – but widespread corruption has hamstrung government efforts.