Prof. Gyampo’s Double Standards on Galamsey Exposed – Analysts Call Out Political Motives

The raging galamsey menace continues to devastate Ghana’s water bodies, with turbidity levels skyrocketing to a staggering 96,000, far exceeding the acceptable threshold of 500. Yet, Professor Ransford Gyampo’s latest commentary has stirred controversy, with critics accusing him of blatant double standards and political opportunism.

Analysts recall that Prof. Gyampo harshly criticized former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, calling for drastic measures including a state of emergency when turbidity levels stood at 14,000 in 2024. However, under the current NDC government, despite water quality deteriorating nearly sevenfold, Gyampo insists that declaring a state of emergency is unnecessary — instead urging for “collective effort” to tackle the crisis.

Political observers, including Eugene Abongo, argue that Gyampo’s shifting stance is motivated by his quest to secure a position in the present administration. “This hypocrisy and inconsistency cannot be overlooked. When the levels were far lower, he mounted pressure for drastic action. Today, with the crisis at an alarming peak, he downplays the need for emergency measures,” Abongo emphasized.

Environmental experts warn that if decisive interventions are not enforced immediately, Ghana risks long-term damage to its agricultural productivity, public health, and international trade, particularly with the European Union threatening sanctions on cocoa imports due to contamination risks.

The government remains under pressure to act swiftly as calls mount for a total ban on illegal mining (galamsey), stricter enforcement of environmental laws, and urgent rehabilitation of degraded lands.