A statesman and former military officer Dr. Nyaho Nyaho-Tamakloe has Criticized Government over the Fight Against Galamsey. Dr. Tamakloe offered a critical assessment of the current administration’s approach to illegal mining, popularly known as “galamsey.”
Dr. Tamakloe, who has served in various capacities, including as a founding member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), did not mince words when addressing the failures of the current leadership. Dr. Tamakloe firmly believes that Ghana’s current predicament, especially in the fight against illegal mining, can be traced back to leadership failure. He emphasized that effective leadership should be capable of controlling its people and making decisive interventions. According to Dr. Tamakloe, the current leadership, particularly President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, has failed to demonstrate this capability.
‘I would say that the failure should be put squarely on leadership failure. That’s what leadership failure because if we have an effective leader, a leader who can control his people, a leader who can call a spade a spade… we wouldn’t have been in this sort of statement because it’s been shown clearly that people in government are involved it is showing clearly that ministers are involved.”
Dr. Nyaho Nyaho-Tamakloe a statesman and former military officer
Dr. Tamakloe criticized the president for his inaction, highlighting the involvement of government officials, including ministers and party members, in illegal mining activities. He expressed his disappointment that despite these revelations, the president has not taken the necessary steps to address the issue effectively.
The President’s Failure to Act
Reflecting on the president’s earlier declaration of putting his presidency on the line in the fight against illegal mining, Dr. Tamakloe noted that such a statement holds little value if it is not followed by concrete actions. Dr. Tamakloe argued that the president’s failure to act decisively and hold those involved accountable is a clear sign of incompetence. He went as far as to suggest that the president should resign for failing to uphold his promise.
“If the president has put his presidency on the line and he has failed. I think the only thing to do is for him to resign. I have said time and again, until we learn the culture of Resignation this country can never move forward, just last week I said it… You take your pen and resign and leave the scene for another person to come.”
Dr. Nyaho Nyaho-Tamakloe a statesman and former military officer
Dr. Tamakloe reiterated that without a culture of resignation, Ghana would struggle to progress. He expressed frustration with the lack of accountability and the widespread corruption that has permeated the government.
The Consequences of Incompetence
Dr. Tamakloe painted a grim picture of the consequences of the government’s failure to address illegal mining. He highlighted the environmental and health crises that have emerged as a result of unchecked illegal mining activities. According to him, the country is now witnessing an increase in pregnancy loss, birth defects, and other health complications in mining areas.
“Look at the sort of problems that are coming medical. We have an increased rate of pregnancy loss at the moment. Birth defects are seen now commonly in that area. Short or missing arms or limbs or legs. I mean, anything you can think about. Just frightening.”
Dr. Nyaho Nyaho-Tamakloe a statesman and former military officer
Dr. Tamakloe criticized the government for allowing this situation to persist, attributing it to greed and a lack of concern for the welfare of ordinary Ghanaians. He expressed disbelief that such a situation could occur in a country with leaders who claim to care about their people.
Military Intervention: The Only Solution
When asked about potential solutions to the illegal mining crisis, Dr. Tamakloe advocated for military intervention. He argued that the military if given the task without political interference, could effectively put an end to illegal mining activities within a short period. He expressed confidence in the military’s ability to handle the situation, contrasting it with his lack of trust in the police.
“I agree if the military… the military has leadership and if they are given that task without the influence of politicians, I can assure you they will finish this thing within one week.”
Dr. Nyaho Nyaho-Tamakloe a statesman and former military officer
Dr. Tamakloe noted that the military, in the past, had shown a commitment to carrying out directives efficiently and without bias. However, Dr. Tamakloe lamented that even the military had become politicized in recent times, with recruitment processes being influenced by political connections rather than merit.
“The military itself has been so politicized now… recruitment has become a protocol list. It never existed when I was a soldier.”
Dr. Nyaho Nyaho-Tamakloe a statesman and former military officer
Dr. Tamakloe emphasized that the military if left to operate independently, could solve the illegal mining problem within a few weeks. However, he expressed skepticism about the current state of the military due to the influence of politics. Moreover, Dr. Tamakloe made it clear that he does not trust the police to handle the illegal mining issue effectively. He cited their daily conduct on the roads as evidence of their unreliability and corruption.
“As for the police, I don’t want them to come in at all. Leave this to the military. I don’t trust the police. I see what they do daily on the road. I see it.”
Dr. Nyaho Nyaho-Tamakloe a statesman and former military officer
Dr. Tamakloe contrasted the police’s behavior with that of the military, stating that his lack of trust in the police stems from their actions, not because of his background as a former soldier. Dr. Tamakloe’s assessment of the current leadership in Ghana paints a bleak picture of a country struggling with leadership failure, corruption, and environmental degradation.
Dr. Tamakloe called for a change in leadership, emphasizing that the president’s inability to act decisively has led to the current crisis. Dr. Tamakloe’s recommendation for military intervention highlights his belief that only a strong, independent force can put an end to illegal mining in Ghana. His distrust of the police further underscores the need for a different approach to tackling this pressing issue.
