In a heated discussion, Dr. Akua Amoako, a member of the National Communication Team of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), addressed several issues related to protests, the rule of law, and the ongoing fight against illegal mining (galamsey).
She expressed her dissatisfaction with how the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) had handled these matters in the past and reiterated her support for the current administration’s approach, particularly regarding the galamsey menace.
Dr. Amoako began by referencing a co-panellist’s remarks about a recent protest, emphasizing the importance of the rule of law in Ghana’s democratic republic. She pointed out the stark difference between how peaceful protests were conducted recently and violent incidents that occurred during past protests.
According to her, the peaceful protests on the galamsey issue were held without any arrests, as the protesters did not engage in violent acts, unlike previous demonstrations.
“We are in a democratic republic where the rule of law is supposed to be paramount above everything. So it’s not like we are in the PNDC era where it was a dictatorship, where the President can just pick up a phone and then say, arrest these people.”
Dr. Akua Amoako, a member of the National Communication Team of the New Patriotic Party (NPP)
Dr. Amoako expressed dismay at some past actions during protests, specifically targeting protesters who committed violent acts, including attacking police officers and tampering with police property.
“People had the nerve, the hubris to go into a police vehicle, take the key, and throw it away. There are videos of some of the protesters attacking police in riot gear.”
Dr. Akua Amoako, a member of the National Communication Team of the New Patriotic Party (NPP)
Rule of Law and Accountability
Dr. Amoako defended the government’s stance on ensuring that individuals who violate the law during protests are held accountable.
“Somebody has committed an offence…in full view of them. Are you supposed to let that go? she said, emphasizing that the rule of law should guide the handling of such incidents.
Criticism of NDC’s Handling of Galamsey
Turning her attention to the issue of galamsey, She pointed out that galamsey and the destruction of Ghana’s natural resources were not new issues and had persisted under the NDC’s leadership.
She drew attention to former President Atta Mills granting interviews on the subject but failing to make significant progress in halting illegal mining activities.
“John Mahama was in government. He’s not brand new… During his time, Anas Aremeyaw Anas made a documentary, Al Jazeera, Ghana Gold, where the river Pra was destroyed. The late president Atta Mills is seen granting an interview an interview, why didn’t he stop it? Why did he not stop it?… During his time, what did he do?”
Dr. Akua Amoako, a member of the National Communication Team of the New Patriotic Party (NPP)
NPP’s Approach to Galamsey and NDC’s Hypocrisy
Dr. Amoako praised the current administration, led by President Nana Akufo-Addo, for its efforts to combat galamsey, which she described as a difficult and complex challenge.
She underscored that the government had taken serious measures to address the issue, including credible investigations and documentaries that shed light on the extent of the galamsey problem.
She also criticized the NDC for what she perceived as hypocrisy in its criticisms of the NPP’s handling of galamsey. According to her, members of the NDC were complicit in illegal mining activities before.
“There are other videos of NDC appointees going to these mining pits at that time in 2020, when Nana Addo Dankwa had put his presidency on the line to fight galamsey.”
Dr. Akua Amoako, a member of the National Communication Team of the New Patriotic Party (NPP),
Challenges in Prosecuting Galamsey-Related Crimes
Dr. Amoako acknowledged the difficulty of prosecuting individuals involved in galamsey, particularly when they have not directly engaged in illegal mining but have instead made promises or campaigned at galamsey sites.
“Prosecuting these kinds of things is very dicey…A lot of things that happen in this world are not nice. They are not pleasant. But to be able to prove that it’s a crime is another issue.”
Dr. Akua Amoako, a member of the National Communication Team of the New Patriotic Party (NPP)
Despite these challenges, Dr. Amoako reiterated the government’s commitment to fighting galamsey and ensuring that those who violate the law are brought to justice.
Finally, Dr Amoako expressed confidence in the NPP’s approach to tackling galamsey, describing it as the most comprehensive plan compared to the NDC’s.
She pointed out that NDC, whose leaders had failed in the past were now incoherently trying to address the issue.
“The difference between the NPP and the NDC is that we’ve thought about it enough…after they listen to it, they will know that that’s the most comprehensive approach.”
Dr. Akua Amoako, a member of the National Communication Team of the New Patriotic Party (NPP)
Dr. Amoako concluded by assuring the public that the government was taking all necessary steps to fight galamsey and protect Ghana’s environment and natural resources.
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