Chief Biney Hamilton Nixon, a former Deputy National Organiser of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the current Deputy Campaign Coordinator for the 2024 elections, has voiced his concerns over the government’s failure to effectively combat illegal mining, also known as galamsey.
In an open letter addressed to Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia on his birthday, October 7, Chief Biney criticized the inaction of both President Nana Akufo-Addo and Dr. Bawumia in tackling the environmental devastation caused by galamsey.
He recalled President Akufo-Addo’s promise to put his presidency on the line to end the menace, describing the ongoing silence as alarming.
“Mr. Vice President, the damage is visible everywhere. Our rivers are dying, our food is toxic, and future generations will inherit a country with environmental scars that may never heal,” Biney wrote.
He urged Dr. Bawumia to be transparent with Ghanaians and question whether he would continue to remain silent or finally push the President to act decisively.
Drawing on President Akufo-Addo’s famous call for Ghanaians to be “citizens, not spectators,” Chief Biney reminded Dr. Bawumia that the statement was not mere rhetoric but a plea for accountability. He challenged the Vice President, as someone aspiring to lead the nation, to prove his independence and willingness to confront uncomfortable truths.
“You must remind the President of his age, and that leadership requires more than wealth—it demands leaving behind a legacy of integrity for the young lives that will one day carry the mantle of this country,” Biney urged, concluding with an appeal to use his influence to help Ghana build a legacy it can be proud of.
The open letter calls for urgent action against galamsey, underscoring the environmental and generational consequences of inaction.
By Daakyehen Nana Yaw Asante
