Media Coalition Criticizes Middle Class for Lack of Commitment in Fight Against Galamsey

The Media Coalition Against Galamsey has expressed its disappointment over the dwindling public demand to end illegal mining activities in Ghana. Ing. Kenneth Ashigbey, the coalition’s convener, criticized the lack of sustained commitment, particularly from the country’s middle class, in the ongoing fight against illegal mining, known as galamsey.

Speaking in an interview on the Citi Breakfast Show, Ashigbey pointed out that Parliament has also failed Ghanaians by not revoking Legislative Instrument (L.I) 2462, which allows mining in forest reserves. He stressed that collective action is crucial to tackling the environmental and social challenges posed by galamsey.

“There has been a loss of momentum in the fight against galamsey, and I admit that as the media, we’ve also lost some steam,” Ashigbey remarked. He referenced criticism from Sir Sam Jonah, who had earlier called out the media for not showing enough commitment. However, Ashigbey placed much of the blame on Ghana’s middle class, stating, “The middle class has failed us.”

He added, “After the October 10 strike was called off and the government sent a few hundred men to fight this, nothing happened. We were expecting more action by October 15 in Parliament, but unfortunately, nothing came of it.”

Ashigbey called for a renewed effort from all stakeholders, urging the middle class, academia, and other key groups to regroup and intensify the conversation against galamsey. “We need to reignite the movement and pressure the government to take more decisive action,” he said.