Franklin Cudjoe, President of IMANI Africa, has cautioned the elite within the New Patriotic Party (NPP) against dismissing independent voices speaking out against illegal mining (galamsey).
He emphasized that it is misguided to label such criticisms as merely part of an election strategy by the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC).
According to Cudjoe, addressing illegal mining is a serious issue of national concern and should not be reduced to political gamesmanship or viewed through the lens of electoral advantage.
“We are simply pointing out Nana Akufo-Addo and Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s despicable dereliction of FORCEFUL duty required by law to temporarily halt all mining activities on our rivers and forests to deal with the menacing pollution of almost 70% of all rivers in Ghana”.
Franklin Cudjoe, President of IMANI Africa
According to Franklin Cudjoe, President of IMANI Africa, many independent-minded Ghanaians, as well as thoughtful partisans from across the political spectrum, have voiced their dissatisfaction and embarrassment over the recent actions of Ghana’s President and Minister of Lands.
He indicated that this sentiment includes notable figures such as NPP-appointed Greater Accra Minister, Hon. Titus Glover.
Cudjoe highlighted that the criticism is specifically directed at the government’s decision to request $30 million from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to help restore Ghana’s depleted forest cover.
He indicated that what makes this move particularly concerning for critics is the irony that Ghana, a country once boasting 41% forest cover, is now seeking financial assistance from the UAE, a nation with less than 5% forest cover.
Franklin Cudjoe stated that for many, this raises questions about the effectiveness of Ghana’s environmental management policies.
As such, he indicated that rather than relying on foreign aid for a problem that many feel could be solved with better governance and strategic resource management, critics argue that the government should take ownership of restoring the country’s forests.
He noted that this situation has sparked broader debates about Ghana’s commitment to sustainable development and environmental conservation.
According to Cudjoe, critics see the request for aid as a reflection of poor leadership, a lack of vision, and inadequate planning in addressing one of the nation’s most pressing environmental challenges.
Cudjoe Critiques NPP’s Partisan Labeling Tactics
Furthermore, Franklin Cudjoe strongly criticized the NPP, emphasizing that such politically devious thinking—where critics are labeled as supporters of the opposition—is beneath the dignity of some party members.
He condemned this tactic of rabid partisan attacks, noting that it detracts from the serious national discourse and discredits those raising genuine concerns.
“…Just saying the likes of my friend Wontumi and his comical lot can be pardoned if they said these, but you, educated, smarter dudes? Come on! Maybe you need prayer support, seeing that today is Sunday and we are as Catholics in the month of the Rosary. May the Lord touch your head and give you the gift of clear thinking. And if you hear the Lord’s voice today, harden not your hearts”.
Franklin Cudjoe, President of IMANI Africa
Franklin Cudjoe emphasized that he is indifferent to being tagged as part of the opposition, pointing out that such accusations are not new, as the National Democratic Congress (NDC) employed similar tactics when it was in power.
He explained that this strategy of branding critics as opposition sympathizers is a convenient way for ruling parties to sidestep real issues and avoid accountability.
Instead of addressing the legitimate concerns being raised, both the NPP and NDC have historically resorted to this divisive approach.
Cudjoe called for a shift in political discourse, urging leaders to focus on addressing the substance of criticism rather than resorting to partisan finger-pointing.
He also criticized the government for its failure to address the issue of illegal mining (galamsey), emphasizing that the problem has nothing to do with capitalism. “Just a bunch of marauding thieves destroying our ecosystem with their pliant fools in the digitalization garden twiddling with buttons to shut us up”.
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