Samuel Atta Kyea, the chairman of the Energy Committee and member of parliament for Abuakwa South, has defended President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo against criticism that has been directed towards the way the government has handled illegal mining, or “galamsey.”
According to Atta Kyea, President Akufo-Addo cannot be held entirely accountable for the current situation, which has had a detrimental effect on water bodies around the nation.
His defence follows a statement from Ghana Water Limited (GWL) outlining challenges with water treatment, especially in the Central Region, as a result of pollution related to galamsey.
The Central Regional Office of GWL reports that the Sekyere Hemang Water Treatment Plant has encountered difficulties as a result of the Pra River’s pollution, which has been made worse by illegal mining operations.
A large disparity exists between the supply and demand of water as a result of this pollution.
Civil society organisations (CSOs) and environmentalists have expressed disapproval of the government’s promise to handle the galamsey issue in response to the GWL study, which has caused public outcry.
They have especially examined President Akufo-Addo’s commitment, given his prioritisation of the battle against illegal mining.
The former minister of Works and Housing, Atta Kyea, responded by claiming that the President’s efforts have been hampered by local actors, including certain chiefs, locals, and even military troops with a stake in galamsey.
In an exclusive interview on Class FM, Atta Kyea stated, “It is not entirely accurate to say that the President has absolute power; effective action requires cooperation. For instance, if a chief supports galamsey, the President cannot simply arrest these individuals without broader support.”
Source: Adomonline