In a shocking and deeply troubling admission on the floor of parliament, Annoh Dompreh, the Member of Parliament for Nsawam-Adoagyiri and Majority Chief Whip in Ghana’s Parliament, has displayed a disturbing lack of responsibility and leadership.
His statement, acknowledging that his government, the New Patriotic Party (NPP), may have contributed to the pollution of Ghana’s water bodies through illegal mining (galamsey) but at a “lesser level” than the National Democratic Congress (NDC), is not only unacceptable but also retrogressive.
The pollution of Ghana’s water bodies by illegal mining activities has been a major environmental crisis, endangering the health and livelihoods of millions of Ghanaians.
Instead of taking full responsibility for the failure of the government to curb this menace, Annoh Dompreh’s attempt to downplay the role of his party by comparing it to the alleged failures of the opposition only deepens public disappointment.
This sort of rhetoric, which minimizes the severe impact of environmental degradation, is a slap in the face to Ghanaians who are bearing the brunt of polluted rivers and the destruction of arable land.
Annoh Dompreh’s remarks are not just disappointing; they are dangerous.
By admitting that his party, the NPP, has been involved in illegal activities that are ruining the environment, he is essentially condoning and normalizing the ineptitude of a regime in dealing with a devastating menace and environmental degradation.
Furthermore, his justification that the NPP’s wrongdoing is somehow less severe than the NDC’s is not only irrelevant, but also shows a complete disregard for the welfare of the people he represents.
Ghanaians deserve leaders who are committed to the highest standards of integrity and accountability.
Annoh Dompreh’s statement is a glaring example of the kind of retrogressive leadership that should have no place in our democracy.
His constituents must not stand for this.
They must hold him accountable for his words and actions, as history has shown that similar blunders have led to the downfall of political figures in the past.
For instance, in other democratic societies, politicians who have made such egregious comments or have been involved in scandalous activities have faced the consequences.
In South Africa, former President Jacob Zuma faced intense public backlash and legal battles over corruption allegations, ultimately leading to his resignation.
In the United States, various politicians have been forced to step down following public outcry over controversial statements or actions that undermined public trust.
Ghana is no different, and our leaders must not be allowed to escape scrutiny or accountability.
The constituents of Nsawam-Adoagyiri must take a stand. They must reject any leader who fails to prioritize their well-being and the environment.
Annoh Dompreh’s attempt to deflect blame and downplay the severity of the situation is a clear indication that he is unfit to continue representing the people.
The stakes are too high to allow leaders who lack vision, responsibility, and a genuine commitment to the people to remain in power.
The time has come for Ghanaians to demand better from their leaders.
Annoh Dompreh has shown that he is not the kind of representative who can lead Ghana into a future where the environment and the people’s health are protected.
His constituents must act now, sending a strong message that they will no longer tolerate retrogressive leadership.
The future of Ghana depends on how the nation views and treats politicians like Frank Annoh Dompreh, who only see the stay through their partisan political lenses.
This article is by Joshua K. Tigo who is Editor of Adomonline.com and Programmes Manager for Adom 106.3 FM.