Dr. Louisa Hanna Bissiw-Kotey says the National Democratic Congress is committed to protecting the environment and tackling galamsey, praising government efforts and calling for sustained support.
The National Women’s Organiser of Ghana’s governing National Democratic Congress (NDC), Dr Louisa Hanna Bissiw-Kotey, has renewed calls for stronger collective action against illegal mining, popularly referred to as galamsey.
Speaking in a statement, Dr.. Bissiw-Kotey framed the fight as a shared national responsibility, arguing that environmental damage from galamsey cannot be tackled by any single group or institution.. Her message was clear: protecting water bodies, forests, and surrounding communities requires sustained attention and broad public buy-in.
She also pointed to ongoing government interventions aimed at curbing illegal mining, saying the measures are beginning to produce positive results.. In her view, the early signs of progress matter, not because the problem is solved overnight, but because illegal mining thrives when enforcement and public pressure lose momentum.
Why the NDC’s stance matters now
The NDC organiser’s remarks land at a time when public concern about water quality and land degradation remains a daily reality for many Ghanaians.. Galamsey is not just an environmental issue; it affects livelihoods, farming and fishing activities, and the ability of households to rely on nearby water sources.. When rivers and streams are polluted, the impact often spreads quietly—first through disrupted routines, then through higher costs and lost opportunities.
Dr.. Bissiw-Kotey’s emphasis on collective action speaks to that broader impact.. Illegal mining operations typically involve networks and incentives that go beyond the pit itself, which means solutions must extend to community engagement, accountability, and consistent enforcement.. Her message suggests that the party wants citizens to see enforcement efforts and environmental protection as linked.
Renewed push for unity and environmental protection
Beyond the galamsey focus, Dr.. Bissiw-Kotey also praised Dr.. Mary Awusi for what she described as a sincere apology.. She said the gesture reflected maturity, responsibility, and a commitment to national unity, adding another layer to the statement: the party is presenting environmental protection as part of a wider national effort to reduce division and reinforce shared goals.
That kind of framing matters in politically sensitive debates around land and resources, where tensions can easily rise between communities, authorities, and different stakeholders.. By linking environmental action with unity, the NDC organiser is effectively urging people to work through disagreements without losing sight of the larger harm being caused.
At the same time, Dr.. Bissiw-Kotey acknowledged that restoring degraded environments will take time.. Progress, she said, should be encouraged but not taken for granted, with efforts needing to be sustained.. That balance—recognising the scale of damage while still pointing to improvements—appears designed to keep public expectations steady and avoid the frustration that often follows when long-term recovery does not happen quickly.
For many residents, the question is not whether improvements are possible, but whether change will last.. When enforcement intensifies and illegal operations are disrupted, communities usually notice shifts, yet the risk of setbacks remains if monitoring weakens or if economic pressures push people back toward illegal work.. Her call for continued support for environmental initiatives therefore aims to protect gains and prevent a return to earlier patterns.
What to watch next
The next phase will likely revolve around how consistent the curbs on illegal mining remain and whether restoration efforts move alongside enforcement.. If government measures continue to hold, benefits such as improved protection of water bodies and reduced environmental pressure could become more visible over time.. Still, long-term recovery will depend on whether degraded areas are actually rehabilitated and whether prevention measures reduce the conditions that allow galamsey to flourish.
Dr.. Bissiw-Kotey’s message ultimately encourages Ghanaians to see the fight against galamsey as ongoing work, not a short-term campaign.. For households watching their local environment change, that sustained approach is what will determine whether the country can move toward a healthier, safer future—one that protects both ecosystems and the people who rely on them.