Former Member of Parliament for Abuakwa South, Samuel Atta Akyea, has criticised President John Dramani Mahama’s dismissal of declaring a state of emergency over galamsey.
Atta Akyea believes the President is hesitant due to potential revenue losses for the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) if such a declaration is made.
He has questioned the President’s explanation for withdrawing security officers from galamsey sites, arguing that there’s no viable alternative deployment strategy as suggested.
The calls for a state of emergency began in 2024, ahead of the general election, as turbidity levels in Ghana’s water bodies worsened.
Various groups and individuals urged the government to take the matter seriously. However, President Akufo-Addo dismissed the calls, citing potential electoral repercussions for the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
The NPP eventually lost the 2024 election, and John Dramani Mahama was elected President. However, the galamsey menace persists, with calls for a state of emergency intensifying.
President Mahama, in a recent media encounter, stated that a state of emergency isn’t necessary at this time, as other options can be explored to combat the environmental crisis.
In an exclusive interview with TV3’s Beatrice Claire Adu, Atta Akyea noted that former President Akufo-Addo did better in fighting galamsey than President Mahama.
“Did the president’s explanation on why he disbanded the police team sound right to you? They should be serious about what they are saying. He wouldn’t declare a state of emergency because if he does that, the Goldbod will lose money. What processes does he want to see again? In fact, now, people are saying that Akufo-Addo was more serious with galamsey than president Mahama,” he explained.
Meanwhile, the Minister of State in charge of Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, has revealed that the government will intensify its fight against illegal mining by deploying permanent security personnel at the sites.
Galamsey fight: Soldiers to be deployed permanently in 44 hotspots – Kwakye Ofosu
