Veteran Ghanaian musician, Theophilus Nti, popularly known as Kofi Nti has raised fresh concerns about the scale of illegal mining activities in the country, describing the situation as a national failure that demands urgent and decisive action.
Speaking on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem, Kofi Nti recounted witnessing galamsey operations in broad daylight along the Kumasi–Accra Highway at Anyinam, allegedly in the presence of law enforcement officers who took no action.
According to him, while unemployment remains a genuine challenge, it cannot justify the destruction of the environment or the risks to human life caused by illegal mining.
He noted that many people turn to galamsey out of desperation, driven by the responsibility of caring for their families amid limited job opportunities.
“We complain about joblessness, but should we destroy our land and endanger our lives because of that?” he questioned.
Kofi Nti further alleged that enforcement efforts are undermined by interference, claiming that suspects are sometimes released shortly after arrest following phone calls from influential figures. He warned that the long-term impact of galamsey is severe, recalling a conversation in which he was told Ghana’s polluted water bodies could take up to 50 years to recover even if illegal mining stopped immediately.
The highlife musician also criticised what he described as a cycle of political promises, where commitments to fight galamsey fade after elections, with officials replaced but the problem persisting.
Reflecting on the broader economic situation, Kofi Nti argued that low wages contribute to rising social problems, including crime and migration.
He suggested that if the average Ghanaian earned a decent income, many would not feel pressured to leave the country or engage in risky activities to survive.
“If people were earning about GH₵10,000 on average, you wouldn’t see this desperation. But someone earns GH₵3,500, has a spouse and children, and still has to survive,” he said.
Kofi Nti concluded by calling for strict enforcement of laws, disciplined leadership, and a comprehensive overhaul of Ghana’s systems to protect the country’s environment, culture, and future.
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