Professor Gyampo Exposes 2020 Election Myth:Anti-Galamsey Efforts Did Not Cost The NPP

 

 

Professor Ransford Gyampo, a vocal advocate against illegal mining, has penned an open letter to President Akufo-Addo, urging him to take decisive action against the menace. In his letter, Professor Gyampo directly addresses two key arguments often used to downplay the severity of the issue and justify inaction.

 

Challenging the Electoral Argument:

 

Firstly, Professor Gyampo challenges the notion that the NPP’s electoral performance in 2020 was negatively impacted by the party’s initial commitment to combating illegal mining. He argues that this narrative is a “palpable lie,” citing data that suggests the party’s performance in areas where anti-galamsey efforts were strong was not significantly affected. Instead, he attributes the decline to the incompetence of the party’s parliamentary candidates in those areas, emphasizing that in many cases, the President received more votes than his own candidates. Professor Gyampo contends that the data shows a clear disconnect between voter sentiment and anti-galamsey efforts, with voters actually tending to reward the party for tackling the issue.

 

He further underscores the point that illegal mining is primarily conducted by foreigners who don’t vote, while many local voters actually oppose the practice. Therefore, he argues, addressing the issue would not harm the party’s electoral prospects but could actually win it the support of many Ghanaians.

 

Debunking the Timing Argument:

 

Secondly, Professor Gyampo refutes the claim that the call for action against illegal mining is a politically motivated tactic aimed at harming the NPP’s image just before the 2024 elections. He emphasizes that calls for action have been made for years, highlighting that he himself joined the fight earlier this year. He points out that the government’s inaction, despite repeated warnings, has led to a worsening situation where the devastating consequences of illegal mining are now more visible.

 

Professor Gyampo concludes his letter by emphasizing the need to prioritize human life and health above political gain. He expresses his disappointment that the Ghanaian government has been criticized by the international community, specifically referencing the recent rebuke by President Ouattara of Côte d’Ivoire. He suggests that this situation is an embarrassment and highlights the urgent need for the President to take decisive action.

 

Professor Gyampo’s open letter is a passionate plea for President Akufo-Addo to take the issue of illegal mining seriously. He argues that the President’s commitment to addressing the issue would not only benefit the environment and the health of Ghanaians but also have positive implications for the NPP’s electoral fortunes. He calls for swift and decisive action, emphasizing the urgency of the situation and the need to prioritize the well-being of the Ghanaian people.