Media urged to name and shame Politicians involved in illegal mining

Dr. Bishop Akolgo, a Consultant with Technology Integration Point Ventures (TIPV) has called on the media to expose politicians involved in illegal mining in the country.

According to him, politicians who engage in illegal mining are unlikely to support laws that prohibit the practice for which reason it is essential for the media to shed light on such activities.

Dr Akolgo noted that politicians who are involved in illegal mining could influence the passage of laws that favour their interests.

He questioned how individuals or political parties sponsored by galamseyers could pass laws against illegal mining.

Speaking at the Guide on Illicit Financial Flows (IFFs) organised by Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) to assist journalists on reporting on IFFs in Ghana, Dr. Bishop Agolgo emphasised that the media had a critical role to play in exposing such activities and promoting accountability.

The consultant disclosed the negative impact of Illicit Financial Flows (IFFs) on the country’s development.

IFFs divert resources away from essential public services such as schools, clinics and roads, and reduce the government’s capacity to act compassionately towards vulnerable members of society.

He emphasised the need for journalists to be well-informed and mobilize citizens to put pressure on duty-bearers and politicians to act in ways that would plug the loopholes and prevent the leakage of resources from the country.

Dr. Akolgo identified various stakeholders who have a role to play in combating IFFs, including the Bank of Ghana, the Ministry of Finance, the Ghana Revenue Authority, the Financial Intelligence Centre, the Auditor-General and Civil Society Organisations.

He emphasised that these stakeholders must work together to prevent IFFs and promote transparency and accountability.

Rosemond Ebi-Adwo Aryieetey, the Senior Programme Manager of Media for Democracy and

Good Governance at the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) emphasised the media’s role in uncovering illicit activities and bringing them to light.

She encouraged journalists to immerse themselves in the guide on IFFs and use it as a reference point to report on the issue.

“By doing so” she noted, “the media can help build pressure on policymakers to take action and prevent the leakage of resources from the country”.

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