By King Amoah
In a recent declaration that has stirred significant conversation within political and environmental circles, Ransford Manu, a prominent leader of the opposition in Kumasi, has accused the Peace Council of Ghana of hypocrisy concerning their stance on illegal mining in the country.
Ransford’s interview with this website highlight a growing frustration with perceived inefficiencies in addressing the rampant illicit mining activities that threaten Ghana’s environment and economy.
Manu’s assertion that the Peace Council should “keep quiet” on the matter of illegal mining stems from a broader critique of what he sees as their role in the ongoing corruption that plagues various sectors in the nation.
He argues that instead of taking an active role in mitigating the impacts of illegal mining, the Council has positioned itself as a facilitator of corruption and mismanagement within the industry.
Illegal mining, particularly the unregulated and destructive activities associated with ‘Galamsey’, has emerged as a critical challenge for Ghana he said.
Adding It has not only resulted in significant environmental degradation but has also led to social unrest in affected communities, as many citizens and groups are becoming increasingly vocal about the negative ramifications of these activities, prompting calls for more stringent regulation and enforcement.
Manu’s comments reflect a sentiment shared by many Ghanaians who are disillusioned with the Peace Council’s effectiveness in managing broader societal issues, including corruption.
The Peace Council, he reiterated, which was established to mediate conflicts and promote peace across various sectors, has been criticized for its perceived ineffectiveness in holding accountable those involved in illegal mining and the systemic corruption that allows such activities to persist.
He stated that the relationship between peace-building, governance, and environmental responsibility is intricate, and people leaders like him ( Manu) are essential in sparking the conversations needed to address these challenges.
On this note he charged the Peace Council, along with other institutions, to actively engage in these issues of discouraging galamsey if they are to regain the trust of the citizens they claim to serve.
