Senior Analyst at Global InfoAnalytics, Salam Nsiah, has observed that illegal small-scale mining, popularly known as galamsey, could significantly influence voter behaviour in the upcoming Akwatia by-election.
Speaking on ABC Morning, he noted that the issue has become a defining political fault line, with voters in mining communities increasingly judging political parties by their stance and effectiveness in addressing the menace.
According to him, galamsey ranks as the third most influential factor in shaping voting decisions in the constituency.
“Until we stop these two parties from politicizing galamsey issue, then … until NPP and NDC cease politicizing galamsey in Ghana, ending galamsey will never come to reality,” he cautioned.
Mr. Nsiah further warned that the Akwatia by-election could mirror trends observed during the Ablekuma North by-election, where vote-buying was rampant.
He explained that voters should expect financial inducements from political parties desperate to secure an edge.
“It will go on. I am sure that it has started, all for people to win a seat,” he said, pointing to the prevalence of bribery as a campaign tool.
The analyst expressed concern about the sustainability and long-term impact of such practices on Ghana’s democracy. He emphasised that the culture of financial inducement undermines free choice and weakens the political process.
“But is it sustainable? It’s a bad culture and we need to be careful,” Mr. Nsiah stressed, urging stakeholders to rethink the direction of the country’s electoral practices.
