Nobody has named and shamed because politicians are involved – Col. Aboagye on galamsey

Retired security analyst Colonel Festus Aboagye has criticized Ghana's fight against illegal mining. He believes the problem continues due to a lack of political will. Those enforcing the law are often compromised.

On The KeyPoints with Alfred Ocansey, Col. Aboagye highlighted a culture of protection among politicians and security services. He noted that promises to "name and shame" have not been fulfilled.

“The current Minister has said he will name and shame,” he stated. “Previous officials made similar claims, but no one has been named or shamed.” He pointed out that those involved span all political parties.

Col. Aboagye stressed that inaction stems from complicity at high levels of power. “The police are not the only ones involved in galamsey,” he explained. They are part of a larger system, including regional security forces.

He assessed that political entanglement makes accountability difficult. “The state may have intelligence, but it cannot act because ministers and party officials are involved.”

Col. Aboagye’s remarks suggest that Ghana's battle against galamsey lacks meaningful progress. Breaking the mutual protection among officials is essential for change.