By King Amoah, Kumasi
Whispers of discontent are growing louder across Ghanaas fueled by a rising tide of public outcry against alleged rampant illegal mining and corruption pointing to the involvement of figures within the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) government.
As the nation grapples with economic hardships and a perceived lack of job creation, a significant segment of the populace is urging President John Dramani Mahama to take a decisive action and address it as his legacy hangs in the balance
Our recent random survey aimed at gathering public view on these issues, reveals a deep seated concern that the actions of some appointees are undermining the President’s efforts and jeopardizing his place in history.
The message from the ground is clear: to ensure a unique and positive legacy, President Mahama must not spare those in his administration who engage in illegal mining and corrupt activities.
From Offinso Akwasi Addai an observer of the political landscape acknowledged that President Mahama is gradually fulfilling his election promises to Ghanaians.
However Addai poignantly observed that the attitudes of some of his appointees tend to erode the efforts of the President.
This sentiment he said, undermines a growing disconnect between the President’s stated intentions and the perceived realities on the ground where detrimental activities continue unabated.
The gravity of the situation is further highlighted by the allegations of a private audit practitioner Kofi Richardson in Obuasi.
Richardson alleges a series of serious official crimes that have been made secret to the disadvantage of the economy.
Such alleged claims paint a grim picture of a system potentially compromised from within where decisions made in secrecy inflict tangible harm on the nation’s financial well being.
Further afield in Wassa Akropong a mining community in the Western Region the reality of illegal mining often referred to as galamsey is starkly depicted.
Miner Ricky Oppong described how supporters of the NDC have been operating galamsey with the officials looking on unconcerned.
This eyewitness account paints a picture of complicity or inaction at the local level to suggest that the problem is not merely a fringe issue but one with apparent ties to the political establishment.
Elizabeth Dadzie of Kumasi indicated the frustration of many: Within a period of one year life is unbearable to Ghanaians with no jobs seen nowhere.
And how can Mahama answer for this question?” This sentiment connects the perceived failings in governance, particularly regarding corruption and the unchecked environmental destruction wrought by illegal mining.
Our informal poll suggests a strong correlation between President Mahama’s ability to address these issues and the perception of his future legacy.
The question posed to respondents was blunt: If Mahama fails to address these issues especially on the rate at which DCEs, MCEs, and other top guns of the NDC have been conducting themselves can Mahama leave a good name after leaving office?.
The suggestions emanating from these conversations are unified and resolute: President Mahama is called upon to sack officials involved in criminal activities without fear or favor.
The argument is that his name is tarnished besides ditching the party to oblivion if he fails to act decisively.
