Samuel Nartey George, the Member of Parliament for Ningo-Prampram, has made a bold statement, comparing illegal mining, known as galamsey, to the drug trade in other countries.

He likens the impact of galamsey in Ghana to the way cocaine affects Colombia, stating that powerful cartels are involved. According to him, these cartels are made up of politicians, chiefs, and security personnel who protect the illegal activities for their own benefit.

Sam George argues that the government, under President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, is fully aware of the situation but has failed to act. He believes the President holds the ultimate responsibility to stop galamsey but chooses not to because he benefits from it.

He Tweeted this on his official X page

Sam George is critical of all those involved, labeling them as criminals who must be dealt with severely, regardless of their political affiliations.

In his opinion, Ghana can only address the galamsey crisis by being brutally honest and facing the truth about the extent of the government’s involvement. Sam George’s statement has sparked a conversation about the government's role in the ongoing environmental destruction caused by illegal mining, and whether true reform can ever take place under the current leadership.