The Ghana Coalition Against Galamsey has condemned President Nana Akufo-Addo’s claim of restoring 721,000 hectares of forest since 2017, calling it “pretentious.”
The coalition argued that the President’s assertion contradicts the ecological realities, stressing the urgent need for genuine forest restoration.
In a statement, it accused the government of neglecting Ghana’s forests, leaving them vulnerable to illegal mining and unsustainable policies.
“The reality is, while we were supposedly planting trees, we actively pursued policies that facilitated the destruction of natural forests.
“These actions contradict Ghana’s hard-earned reputation for sustainable forest management and highlight the government’s complicity in the unprecedented destruction of forest reserves”.
Ghana Coalition Against Galamsey
The coalition criticized the government for undermining its international commitments, including its membership in the Forest and Climate Leaders’ Partnership, bypassing Regulation L.I. 2462 in 2022, which allowed mining in protected forests.
It highlighted that over 48,000 hectares of gazetted forest reserves have been allocated for mining, with 4,800 hectares already destroyed. “Illegal mining activities have impacted over 35 forest reserves, compromising the ecological integrity of 350,000 hectares of forests”.
The Ghana Cocoa Board has highlighted the severe impact of illegal mining, noting significant losses of cocoa farmlands due to galamsey.
The coalition revealed that in just one year, an estimated 21,000 hectares of cocoa farms were destroyed, with 68% of farmlands affected in Ashanti, 81% in Eastern, and 74% in Western Regions.
The coalition labeled the President’s tenure as an era of “environmental neglect,” accusing him of overseeing one of Ghana’s worst ecological crises.
It stated that under his leadership, rivers have been poisoned, forests razed, and farmlands degraded. “Your inaction has exposed citizens to grave health risks and compounded our vulnerability to climate shocks”.
The coalition called on the President to reflect on the legacy he will leave behind and urged him to take decisive action.
“Mr. President, will you be remembered as the leader who stood idly by while Ghana’s natural heritage was recklessly plundered? Or will you summon the courage to address this grave injustice?”
Ghana Coalition Against Galamsey
Akufo-Addo’s Failed Fight Against Galamsey Condemned
Meanwhile, the Media Coalition Against Galamsey also issued a scathing critique of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s handling of illegal mining, accusing his administration of making empty promises and failing to take decisive action.
In a press release, the coalition emphasized the disconnect between the President’s pledges and the escalating environmental crisis under his leadership.
“Mr. President, what happened to the promises you made to the people of Ghana—the botched fight against galamsey, the broken commitments to citizens, and the failed assurances to Organized Labour?”
Media Coalition Against Galamsey
The coalition cited the President’s promise to deploy military forces to safeguard rivers as an example of unmet commitments.
“Where are the updates, and what tangible results can you show Ghanaians?” they questioned, labeling the President’s remarks at COP 29 as out of touch with reality.
They contended that under his leadership, illegal mining has escalated to unprecedented levels, wreaking havoc on forest reserves, agricultural lands, and water bodies.
“Over 68% of cocoa farmlands in key regions have been destroyed by galamsey. Entire communities are left without alternative water sources as rivers are poisoned”.
Media Coalition Against Galamsey
The coalition also condemned the government for stifling dissent and hindering local efforts to address irresponsible mining.
They argued that credit for unwavering vigilance belongs to citizens and civil society organizations (CSOs), not an administration that has consistently failed to tackle impunity and abuse.
Warning of the lasting consequences of inaction, the coalition cautioned that the President’s legacy is at stake. “Every illness, every death, and every community destroyed by galamsey will be an indelible mark on your tenure”.
As the President’s term draws to a close, the coalition urged him to change the narrative.
“The clock is ticking. Will you rise to the occasion or leave behind a legacy of irreversible damage to Ghana’s natural heritage?”
Media Coalition Against Galamsey
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