Accusing President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s administration of making empty promises and not taking decisive action, the Media Coalition Against Galamsey has presented a discomforting assessment of his management of illegal mining, known locally as galamsey.
The coalition emphasized the conflict between the President’s promises and the deteriorating environmental situation under his direction in their press statement.
“Mr. President, what happened to the promises you made to the people of Ghana—the botched fight against galamsey, the broken commitments to citizens, and the failed assurances to Organized Labour?” the coalition queried.
The statement pointed to the President’s vow to deploy military forces to protect rivers as an example of unfulfilled promises.
“Where are the updates, and what tangible results can you show Ghanaians?” the coalition asked, describing the President’s statements at COP 29 as disconnected from reality.
They contended that illegal mining had escalated to previously unheard-of levels under the President’s direction, destroying not only forest reserves but also agricultural land and waterways.
“Over 68% of cocoa farmlands in key regions have been destroyed by galamsey. Entire communities are left without alternative water sources as rivers are poisoned,” the coalition revealed.
Additionally, the coalition denounced the government for stifling dissent and impeding local initiatives to stop careless mining.
“It is the citizens and CSOs who deserve recognition for their unwavering vigilance, not an administration that has repeatedly failed to address impunity and abuse,” they noted.
Warning of the lasting implications of inaction, the coalition said the President’s legacy is at stake. “Every illness, every fatality, and every community devastated by galamsey will mark your tenure indelibly,” they cautioned.
The coalition pushed the president to change the narrative as his term draws to a close.
“The clock is ticking. Will you rise to the occasion or leave behind a legacy of irreversible damage to Ghana’s natural heritage?” they concluded.
Source: Adomonline