By King Amoah.
Abena Mansah, a noted supporter of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) from Agona Swedru in the Central Region, has pointed fingers at the officials of the Minerals Commission rather than President Akufo-Addo over the controversial galamsey’ menace in the country.
Mansah’s comments shine a light on a crucial aspect of the galamsey issue: the structure of responsibility within Ghana’s mining regulatory framework.
The Minerals Commission is the primary regulatory body tasked with overseeing mining activities in the country, yet many citizens question whether it has effectively fulfilled this role.
Mansah argues that instead of placing blame on President Akufo-Addo, attention should be directed towards the officials who have been entrusted with enforcing regulations.
This perspective emphasizes the importance of holding relevant authorities accountable for their actions—or inactions—regarding illegal mining operations.
According to Mansah, the President’s leadership role should not be conflated with the operational responsibilities of the Minerals Commission.
The officials within the commission are the ones charged with the oversight of the mining sector and ensuring that mining activities adhere to established laws and regulations, she disclosed.
As Ghana grapples with the complexities surrounding the galamsey issue, it is essential for citizens, government officials, and civil society to foster a culture of accountability that transcends party lines.
By focusing on the responsibilities of regulatory bodies like the Minerals Commission, Mansah and other advocates promote a more constructive dialogue that can lead to effective solutions.