A Germany-based Ghanaian engineer, Baba Awal, has waded into the ongoing debate on galamsey which has sparked an uproar – with Organised Labour threatening a strike if the President fails to declare a state of emergency.
Speaking to a press statement released by his group, Diaspora4DMB, on the midday news on Accra-based Adom FM, the engineer lashed out at those seeking to politicise the issue of galamsey. “Galamsey is very bad and dangerous, and that’s why I find it unacceptable that some individuals are seeking to score political points on such a sensitive matter of national concern” – he bemoaned.
Many organisations including the Centre for Climate Change and Food Security, Media Coalition against Galamsey, and other leading voices have demanded commitment from the leaders of political parties to the fight against galamsey. Adding his voice to this call, Awal said “I support those who are calling on politicians to show commitment… Dr. Bawumia has laid out brilliant ideas which he believes could help tackle the menace”.
He challenged former president and NDC flagbearer John Mahama to avail himself for competition of ideas on galamsey. “During the time of president Mahama, he attempted to fight galamsey, but he failed” – Baba Awal recounted. “If he has any new viable ideas, why not face off with Bawumia so that those ideas can be better tested and afford Ghanaians the opportunity to see which ones are better” – he queried.
Galamsey has become a very topical issue in this year’s campaigns after the Ghana Water Company issued a statement warning about its inability to treat water for drinking due to the galamsey-induced high turbidity. Many experts have warned of a devastating implosion if galamsey is not curbed.
In the press release, copied to the New Crusading Guide, Diaspora4DMB made a strong call for a debate between the two leading candidates. Below is the full statement.
*Diaspora4DMB Calls for Presidential Debate Between Dr. Bawumia and Former President Mahama on Galamsey and Key National Issues*
We, the members of Diaspora4DMB, are calling for a critical presidential debate between the Vice President and NPP Presidential Candidate, H.E. Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, and the NDC Presidential Candidate and former President, John Dramani Mahama. This debate should specifically focus on illegal mining (galamsey) and other pressing national issues of concern to the Ghanaian people.
Galamsey has been a major threat to our environment, economy, and the wellbeing of local communities for years. It is time for both candidates to clearly articulate their plans for tackling this challenge. As two individuals who have held top leadership roles in Ghana, they owe the public a clear and actionable strategy on how they intend to address illegal mining, which continues to cause severe environmental degradation and water pollution across the country.
Beyond the issue of galamsey, we believe this debate must also address broader concerns, including economic recovery, corruption, infrastructure, healthcare, and education. Ghanaians deserve to know the detailed policies that each candidate intends to implement to move the nation forward.
Dr. Bawumia, as the current Vice President, and Mr. Mahama, as a former President, are well-placed to present their track records and policy visions to the public. A debate would offer the ideal platform for them to directly address the electorate, clarify their positions, and outline how they will solve the pressing issues facing our country.
At Diaspora4DMB, we strongly believe that this debate is crucial for a well-informed electorate. It will help Ghanaians both at home and abroad understand how each candidate plans to handle the challenges we face, particularly as they relate to illegal mining and the long-term future of our nation.
We urge civil society organizations, the media, and electoral bodies to support and organize this debate. It is vital for our democracy and for the future of our country that we have an open, transparent, and policy-driven conversation between the two leading candidates.
Our call reflects the concerns of many Ghanaians who are eager to see strong leadership and clear solutions for the critical issues affecting our nation. A debate will give both Dr. Bawumia and former President Mahama the chance to explain how they intend to address these challenges and lead Ghana toward a brighter future.
We hope both political parties will agree to this important discussion, for the sake of the country’s progress and the wellbeing of all Ghanaians.
Signed,
Diaspora4DMB.
