The Member of Parliament for Abuakwa South and Chairman of the Energy Committee, Samuel Atta Kyea, has defended President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo against widespread criticism regarding the government’s handling of illegal mining, commonly referred to as “galamsey.”
Atta Kyea argued that, President Akufo-Addo cannot be held solely responsible for the ongoing crisis that has severely impacted water bodies across the country.
His defense comes after Ghana Water Limited (GWL) issued a statement highlighting difficulties in treating water, particularly in the Central Region, due to galamsey-related pollution.
According to GWL’s Central Regional Office, the Sekyere Hemang Water Treatment Plant has faced challenges due to reduced raw water intake from the polluted Pra River, which has been exacerbated by illegal mining activities.
This pollution has resulted in a significant gap between water demand and supply.
The GWL report has led to public outcry and criticism from environmentalists and civil society organizations (CSOs), who question the government’s commitment to addressing the galamsey issue.
They have particularly scrutinized President Akufo-Addo’s resolve, despite his earlier pledge to prioritize the fight against illegal mining.
In response, Atta Kyea, the former Works and Housing Minister, suggested that local actors, including some chiefs, residents, and even military personnel with vested interests in galamsey, have hindered the President’s efforts.
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.”
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