Kojo Yankah, Founder of the Pan African Heritage Museum, has sharply criticized President Nana Akufo-Addo and his administration for handling illegal small-scale mining, known locally as “galamsey.”
In a recent Facebook post, Yankah urgently questioned the government’s effectiveness in tackling the ongoing environmental and natural resource crisis, stressing the need for immediate action ahead of the December 7, 2024 elections.
Yankah expressed disillusionment with the government’s efforts, highlighting what he sees as a failure to protect Ghana’s environment.
He criticized the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Illegal Mining and Security Agencies for not including the National House of Chiefs and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in their strategy against Galamsey. These entities, with their local knowledge and community connections, could significantly contribute to the fight against illegal mining.
“I feel amused when I see intellectuals trying to play a balancing game on matters which demand direct criticism,” Yankah wrote.
“We are talking leadership here. Galamsey reared its head before President Mahama lost the 2016 elections. President Akufo-Addo, who gave so much hope by putting his presidency on the line, has yet to address this grave situation decisively.”
Yankah further argued that the government possesses the necessary resources and authority to combat the Galamsey crisis, instilling a sense of hope for potential positive change.
He called for a comprehensive response, including releasing Professor Frimpong-Boateng’s report, and warned of an impending crisis in Ghana’s water and forest reserves.
The criticism comes from several high-profile cases related to illegal mining.
Yankah referenced the arrest of a Chinese national involved in galamsey and criticized the lack of transparency and accountability surrounding her release, underlining the importance of these values in governance.
He also questioned why major offenders have not been prosecuted and why the government has not acted on Professor Frimpong-Boateng’s comprehensive report.
Yankah also expressed disappointment that the government needs to engage broader societal stakeholders, such as traditional leaders and NGOs, in the fight against illegal mining.
He argued that the administration’s failure to hold bipartisan town hall meetings, where all stakeholders could voice their concerns and contribute to the solution, reflects poorly on its commitment to addressing the crisis.
“At least now we know that Ghana Water Company has officially announced that Ghana is facing a water crisis, and the Forestry Commission has confirmed significant deforestation,” Yankah said.
Yankah pointed out that the government, instead of taking responsibility and action, seems to be engaging in a hypocritical deflection of blame, shifting the focus from its own inaction to other factors.
Yankah’s remarks coincide with ongoing debates in Ghana’s Parliament regarding the impact of galamsey on the environment.
On September 3, 2024, MPs from both the Majority and Minority sides exchanged blame over the worsening environmental conditions.
Majority Chief Whip Frank Annoh Dompreh accused the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) of causing more significant damage. At the same time, Minority Leader Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson acknowledged that illegal mining activities persist despite security interventions.
Concerns about water shortages in major cities like Kumasi, Accra, and the Western Region have also been raised, with warnings that the situation could deteriorate further if not addressed promptly.
As the election approaches, Yankah’s comments highlight the urgent need for effective and inclusive strategies to combat illegal mining and protect Ghana’s natural resources.
