The Media Coalition Against Galamsey has delivered a damning assessment of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s handling of illegal mining, known locally as galamsey, accusing his administration of making hollow promises and failing to act decisively.
In their press release, the coalition highlighted the contradiction between the President’s pledges and the worsening environmental crisis under his leadership.
“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 argued that under the President’s leadership, illegal mining has reached unprecedented levels, devastating not only forest reserves but also agricultural lands and water bodies.
“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.
The coalition further criticized the government for suppressing dissent and frustrating local efforts to combat irresponsible 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.
As the President’s term nears its end, the coalition challenged him to rewrite the narrative.
“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.
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