Speaking in the Savannah Region, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo called on former President John Dramani Mahama, the flag bearer of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), to clarify his stance on the issue of illegal mining, commonly referred to as “galamsey.”
This issue has plagued Ghana for years, with successive governments struggling to find effective solutions.
The president’s remarks come at a time when he is under significant pressure from civil society organizations and other groups to intensify efforts to halt illegal mining.
President Akufo-Addo’s speech was not only a critique of John Mahama but also an appeal for a more comprehensive and decisive approach to the fight against illegal mining.
President Akufo-Addo’s Challenge to Mahama
President Akufo-Addo began his address by emphasizing the need for clarity from John Mahama on the issue of illegal mining.
The president referenced the upcoming elections and expressed concerns over what he described as contradictory messages from John Mahama on galamsey.
He pointed out that, during the last election cycle, the NDC had allegedly promised to reverse the measures his government had implemented to curb illegal mining.
According to Akufo-Addo, this promise had a significant impact on voter turnout in mining areas, where the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) performed poorly.
“In the last election, in the mining districts of the country, the NPP did very badly. Largely because the NDC presidential candidate and the party had gone around the mining areas, and saying that the policy I was implementing to stop galamsey would be reversed when he came to power. And that those who were already in jail for galamsey offenses, all of them would be [given] amnesty.”
H.E Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo President of the Republic of Ghana
This, Akufo-Addo explained, was a direct result of Mahama’s messaging on the issue, which resonated with communities dependent on small-scale mining for their livelihoods.
The president used this point to call on Mahama to state his position clearly, especially as Ghana faces critical environmental challenges due to illegal mining.
President Akufo-Addo’s Commitment to Ending Illegal Mining
President Akufo-Addo reiterated his stance on the issue. He stressed that his administration had taken tough measures, despite the political risks involved.
“When I said I was putting my presidency on the line, that’s what I meant—that I was prepared to take the political risk involved in trying to deal with this galamsey phenomenon.”
H.E Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo President of the Republic of Ghana
Akufo-Addo’s use of this phrase highlighted his commitment to taking unpopular but necessary steps to protect Ghana’s environment, particularly its water bodies, forests, and farmlands, which have been severely damaged by illegal mining.
He noted that his government’s efforts had been met with resistance, especially in mining communities, but that he remained steadfast in his resolve to end galamsey.
The president acknowledged the political consequences of his administration’s anti-galamsey policies, especially in mining areas.
“The result, of course, was that the mining districts, especially in the Western Region, all of them, including almost nearly even Tarkwa, were lost to the NPP.”
H.E Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo President of the Republic of Ghana
This loss, Akufo-Addo argued, was a direct consequence of his government’s crackdown on illegal mining. He used this as an example of the political risks he had taken to address the problem and contrasted it with what he described as John Mahama’s inconsistent position.
Akufo-Addo Accuses Mahama of Contradictions
One of the key themes of President Akufo-Addo’s speech was his accusation that Mahama had been inconsistent in his statements on illegal mining.
He suggested that John Mahama had, at different times, given conflicting messages on the issue, leaving Ghanaians confused about his true stance.
“He said that, no, he doesn’t believe in jailing galamsey [operators], that he’s against galamsey, and he will enforce the law. So once again, we have to ask ourselves, Mr. JM, where do you stand?”
H.E Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo President of the Republic of Ghana
The president stressed the importance of transparency and clarity, calling on Mahama to make his position on galamsey clear to the public.
He urged John Mahama to stop speaking ambiguously and instead provide a straightforward explanation of his plans to address the illegal mining crisis if elected.
“Every time you speak, you speak from one corner of your mouth, and you speak from another corner of your mouth. Let us hear from you directly, straight up. What do you stand for? We need to know.”
H.E Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo President of the Republic of Ghana
President Akufo-Addo’s criticism here was sharp, accusing John Mahama of playing both sides of the issue to gain political advantage. He challenged the former president to provide a clear and honest assessment of how he would tackle galamsey and whether he would reverse the current administration’s policies.
President Akufo-Addo’s speech in the Savannah Region was a direct challenge to John Dramani Mahama on the issue of illegal mining.
The president called for clarity from the NDC flag bearer, accusing him of sending mixed messages to the public and undermining the government’s efforts to tackle the galamsey crisis.
While Akufo-Addo acknowledged the political risks he had taken to fight illegal mining, he stressed the importance of protecting the environment and urged John Mahama to take a firm, transparent stance on the issue.
As the debate over illegal mining continues to dominate Ghana’s political landscape, the country will be watching closely to see how both candidates address this pressing issue in the run-up to the 2024 elections.
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