By Godwin Owusu Frimpong
Amid a national outcry against illegal mining, concerns have grown regarding President Nana Akufo-Addo’s commitment to the fight against galamsey. Speaking at a recent gathering, Dr. Ayew Afriyie, the MP for Effiduase Asokore and a key party loyalist, dismissed the push for an outright ban on illegal mining, suggesting that demonstrators should focus their efforts in the Ashanti region, rather than Accra. His comments have been criticized as an affront to the Asantehene, who has actively opposed illegal mining and worked to destool chiefs involved in such activities.
Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, President of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), also expressed disappointment during the 28th GJA Awards, reminding the President of his earlier promise to combat galamsey. He pointed out that this pledge remains largely unfulfilled. In 2017, President Akufo-Addo had stated he would “put his Presidency on the line” to stop illegal mining, indicating a high level of commitment to the cause.
However, as the fight against illegal mining intensifies, doubts about the government’s resolve and credibility continue to mount, prompting a national conversation about the effectiveness of current anti-galamsey measures.
Godwin Owusu Frimpong
