“Now I Can Assess the Response” – Prof Gyampo on His Continued Galamsey Advocacy

Professor Ransford Gyampo, CEO of the Ghana Shippers Authority (GSA), has reaffirmed his consistent stance on combating illegal mining (galamsey), while noting a shift in how his advocacy is now being perceived and addressed.

In an interview with Metro TV, Prof Gyampo emphasized that had President Akufo-Addo provided clear and actionable steps in the fight against galamsey, critics like himself may have softened their tone.

“If the President had said, ‘I’m tackling the issue, and here’s how—steps X, Y, and Z,’ we might have eased up a bit,” he remarked.

He also alleged that instead of engaging in meaningful dialogue, some individuals attempted to sabotage their efforts by creating rival factions and sponsoring opposition from within.

“They tried to divide us by funding some members to form splinter groups. But we were stronger, so they faded into irrelevance. They even backed others to go against us,” he revealed.

Highlighting the critical nature of the galamsey crisis, Prof Gyampo warned that the gravity of the issue may only be recognized when its health consequences become widespread.

“This illegal mining problem is extreme. Maybe it’ll take all of us falling sick or dying for people to realize this isn’t just a policy matter,” he cautioned.

He clarified that his position has never supported galamsey or been intended as an attack on former President Mahama’s efforts.

“I’ve always maintained the importance of tackling galamsey whenever I get the opportunity,” he said.

What’s changed, he noted, is his ability to now evaluate how his advocacy is being received.

“The difference now is that I can assess the reactions, interpret the body language, and see the lack of sufficient action,” Prof Gyampo concluded.