President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has called for a unified, nonpartisan approach to tackling the ongoing illegal mining crisis, commonly known as galamsey, during a campaign tour of the North East Region.
Addressing concerns over the harmful impact of galamsey on Ghana’s environment and economy, the President reiterated his commitment to the fight, despite the political risks involved.
Reflecting on the 2020 election results, particularly in mining districts, President Akufo-Addo acknowledged that his tough stance on galamsey cost the New Patriotic Party (NPP) significant support in these areas, especially in the Western Region.
He explained how the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) campaigned on reversing his policies to crack down on illegal mining, promising to release individuals imprisoned for galamsey-related offenses.
Despite this, the President emphasized that he remains undeterred in his efforts to address the issue, stating, “When I said I was putting my presidency on the line, that’s what I meant- I was prepared to take the political risk involved in coming to grips with this problem.”
President Akufo-Addo further criticized the NDC for sending mixed signals regarding their stance on galamsey, calling on the party’s leadership to clarify their position.
He urged NDC’s presidential candidate, John Dramani Mahama, to publicly commit to a depoliticized fight against illegal mining, similar to a pact proposed by the NPP.
” Our candidate Dr. Mahamadu Bawumia , has gone on record, stating that he is prepared to sign a pact to take the galamsey issue out of politics and deal with it on a nonpartisan basis. We have yet to hear the NDC candidate’s stance on this. I’m asking him to come out and support the idea of a political pact on galamsey,” the President declared.
With the upcoming elections, the galamsey debate continues to be a critical issue, and President Akufo-Addo’s remarks signal a firm resolve to address the challenge, while seeking a collaborative approach across the political divide.
Meanwhile tthe President of Imani Ghana on X has equally challenged the New Patriotic Party to show date prove that their commitment to Galamsey caused them in election 2024.
“Question: Did the NPP lose all parliamentary seats in constituencies illegal mining is rife in the 2020 elections?” he asked.
Source:www.kumasimail.com
