The Ghana Federation of Labour (GFL) has demanded the immediate resignation of Lands and Natural Resources Minister Samuel Abu Jinapor, citing his unsatisfactory response to calls for a state of emergency to combat illegal mining (galamsey).
The GFL’s call for Jinapor’s resignation comes after his remarks on the issue fell short of their expectations, prompting the Labour Federation to lose confidence in his leadership.
Lands and Natural Resources Minister Samuel Abu Jinapor labelled calls for a state of emergency to combat galamsey as “draconian” during a media engagement in Accra, cautioning against the severe measure.
He warned that declaring a state of emergency would have far-reaching and potentially devastating consequences for the nation, emphasizing the need for a more nuanced approach.
However, Kenneth Koomson, Deputy Secretary General of the GFL, voiced strong disagreement with Minister Jinapor’s position, asserting that it demonstrates a clear disconnect from the realities and challenges facing the country.
“The minister clearly appears to be ill-informed and ill-equipped or perhaps, pretending not to understand the gravity and the magnitude of the issues that we have recounted and enumerated. For him to even describe the call for the president to activate Article 31, which is a state of emergency, and describe it as draconian is very pathetic and smacks of a deliberate act to destroy the very water bodies that protect and give us life”.
Kenneth Koomson, Deputy Secretary General of the GFL
Mr. Koomson slammed Jinapor’s stance, questioning his competence to effectively spearhead the fight against illegal mining and halt the devastating consequences of galamsey.
He noted that the devastating impact of galamsey is starkly evident in the loss of 2.5 million hectares of Ghana’s forest reserve, a staggering consequence of the illicit activities.
Mr. Koomson maintained that this ecological destruction perpetrated by a small group of individuals, threatens to ravage an entire nation, leaving behind a trail of environmental devastation and societal harm.
Agbodza Urges Zero Tolerance For Galamsey
Furthermore, Minority Chief Whip, Hon. Kwame Governs Agbodza urged the government to adopt a zero-tolerance approach to combating galamsey, akin to the stringent measures employed against drug trafficking and murder.
Hon. Agbodza argued that by doing so, the government can effectively tackle the illicit small-scale mining practice and curb its destructive impact on the environment and society.
He emphasized that a robust and uncompromising stance is the only effective way to yield tangible results in the fight against galamsey, and ultimately eradicate this illicit practice.
“The fight has been lost due to the alleged involvement of many linked to the NPP government and the government’s lack of interest in dealing with the issue. The government is only embarking on a cosmetic fight against galamsey. So far, the fight against galamsey has been cosmetic and ineffective”.
Hon. Kwame Governs Agbodza
According to Hon. Agbodza, the government’s lackluster efforts to combat galamsey can be attributed to a glaring lack of political will and genuine interest in tackling the issue.
He indicated that this apathy has significantly hindered the effectiveness of anti-galamsey initiatives, allowing the illicit practice to persist and thrive.
The astute Member of Parliament pointed out that government-affiliated individuals have been implicated in galamsey activities through various documentaries and publications, yet these allegations have been consistently disregarded by the NPP.
He emphasized that the party’s failure to acknowledge and address these concerns has raised questions about their commitment to combating the illicit practice.
Meanwhile, Lands and Natural Resources Minister, Hon. Samuel Abu Jinapor, reiterated his opposition to declaring a state of emergency to combat galamsey.
He cited concerns that such extreme measures could have far-reaching and unintended consequences on the economy, livelihoods, and governance.
While acknowledging the fight against galamsey as a top priority for the government, the Minister emphasized the need for a more nuanced and balanced approach to address the issue effectively.
