By Abubakari Yakubu.
I wholeheartedly express my dissent with the stance adopted by a segment of our populace, who have recently adopted a taciturn approach towards the rampant impunity enjoyed by the government in its illegal mining operations, commonly referred to as galamsey. I unequivocally reject the submission to this condescending and cowardly manoeuvre.
Recently, the clergy, individuals, and CSOs exhibited a strong united front, seemingly determined to combat galamsey.
However, the John Dramani Mahama-led administration exploited galamsey activities primarily to discredit the erstwhile National Patriotic Party (NPP) administration, which had become complacent and inured to his electoral success.
Indeed, the president made a solemn pledge to end galamsey within ten days of assuming office.
Regrettably, we now witness numerous reports implicating him and his followers as the perpetrators of this heinous crime against our nation.
It has come to light that recognised members of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) are actively championing this abhorrent activity.
The consequences of this despicable and cursed endeavour cannot be overstated.
During his campaign tour in Old Ningo, Greater Accra Region on Thursday, October 17, President Akufo-Addo addressed the Jubilee House press and requested that they provide him with a recording of his speech on galamsey, which he delivered at the University of Mines and Natural Resources. He reiterated that it is his responsibility, as the elected president of Ghana, to address galamsey effectively. He emphasised that after the 7 January 2025 elections, when he will have secured a second term, he will take decisive action to combat illegal mining.
This statement, attributed to the president, raises the question of whether he has relinquished his responsibility to address galamsey.
This situation clearly demonstrates a blatant case of hypocrisy on the president’s part. Despite the escalating galamsey menace, with evidence of government’s involvement, the crusaders of galamsey have largely vanished, with the exception of “Erastus Asare Donkor,” whose life hangs in the balance due to imminent threats from followers of the NDC.
It is my contention that President John Dramani Mahama is arguably our weakest president since independence. He frequently invokes the phrase “I recently assumed power” when referring to the absolute authority he holds to act as he deems fit.
Our nation’s trajectory is perilous due to our own volitional decision to entrust a government that is deeply entrenched in galamsey.
I fervently hope that we will still have a nation left after the four-year mandate we have bestowed upon them.
Abubakari Yakubu
( Baba Amando)
Communication Officer
Sunyani East Constituency
