Dr. Boadi Nyamekye, the head Pastor of Makers House Chapel International located in kwabenya, has recently stirred controversy with his comments on the ongoing Galamsey issue in Ghana. During an interview with 3FM, Dr. Nyamekye addressed the destruction of the country's water bodies caused by illegal mining, known as Galamsey, but took a stance that has sparked debate.
Dr. Nyamekye argued that halting Galamsey abruptly is not a practical solution unless the government provides alternative jobs for the miners. He emphasized that many young people, particularly from rural and urban areas, rely on Galamsey as their primary source of income, making it a means of survival for many households. According to him, without viable job opportunities, it is unrealistic to expect the youth to abandon mining.
While he acknowledged the negative impact of Galamsey on the environment, Dr. Nyamekye pointed out that the government has not sufficiently prepared alternative employment avenues for the miners, thereby making Galamsey a persistent issue that is unlikely to go away soon.
His remarks have raised suspicions, with some accusing Dr. Nyamekye of being involved in Galamsey himself, suggesting that his defense of the practice may stem from personal interests. These allegations are further complicated by the fact that NAPO, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) running mate, is a member of his church. This connection has led critics to question whether Dr. Nyamekye’s stance is influenced by political or personal motives, especially regarding his commitment to protecting Ghana’s natural resources.
The pastor's defense of Galamsey has intensified the debate on how to balance the economic survival of communities reliant on mining with the urgent need to protect the environment.
Mantse Ayitey's report
