Burning Excavators or Upholding the Law? Murtala Muhammed Challenges Ghana’s Galamsey Strategy

In a recent interview on TV3’s “New Day” show, Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, the Member of Parliament for Tamale Central, discussed the government’s efforts to combat illegal small-scale mining, also known as “galamsey.” He expressed concerns that the fight against galamsey has become too politicized, which has hindered effective collaboration among political parties and stakeholders. Dr. Murtala stressed the importance of depoliticizing the issue to ensure a unified approach to addressing the environmental challenges caused by illegal mining.

Dr. Murtala proposed that the Ministry of Environment, Science, and Technology should lead the anti-galamsey efforts instead of the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, which has faced accusations of involvement in galamsey activities, whether those claims are accurate or not. He argued that the Ministry of Environment has the proper mandate to protect the country’s environment, making it better suited to handle the issue.

One of the key topics discussed during the interview was the controversial practice of burning excavators used in illegal mining operations. Dr. Murtala criticized President Nana Akufo-Addo’s support for this practice, calling the President’s remarks “reckless and scandalous.” He pointed out that the Minerals and Mining Act prohibits the destruction of mining equipment, and as the President and a trained legal practitioner, Akufo-Addo should uphold the law rather than encourage actions that violate it.

Dr. Murtala also addressed the role of the media in holding the government accountable, especially regarding the oversight of the oil industry. He urged journalists to act as “watchdogs” rather than “guard dogs” for private interests. He emphasized the need for the media to demand transparency from policymakers, particularly in safeguarding the nation’s resources and ensuring that multinational corporations do not exploit the country’s wealth.

Dr. Murtala’s comments reflect his call for a coordinated, transparent, and lawful approach to the galamsey crisis, emphasizing legal adherence, environmental protection, and the media’s role in ensuring that government actions benefit the public rather than private interests.