NPP loyalist Patrick Kwarteng Sarpong has called on Defence Minister Dr. Edward Omane Boamah to take decisive action against illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey.
Sarpong, in a strongly worded statement, accused the Minister of failing to deliver on his promises to clean up Ghana’s polluted water bodies and restore the environment.
“Give us the clean waters and environment you promised us. Declare the state of emergency you so much yearned for when in opposition. You are the Defence Minister, you wield much power, and do for us exactly what you promised us.”
Patrick Kwarteng Sarpong
Sarpong reminded Dr. Omane Boamah of his strong opposition to illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey, during his time in opposition, highlighting how he was one of the most vocal critics of the Nana Akufo-Addo administration’s handling of the crisis.
He pointed out that Boamah had repeatedly condemned the government’s approach, often portraying it as weak and ineffective.
Referencing Boamah’s past statements, Sarpong remarked that political time moves quickly, especially when one transitions from opposition to power.
He suggested that Boamah, now serving as a minister, must reflect on his past criticisms and consider whether his current actions align with the promises he made to Ghanaians.
Sarpong further recalled how Boamah and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) had assured Ghanaians of a radical and uncompromising approach to tackling illegal mining.
He noted that Boamah, along with other NDC figures, frequently took to social media to lambast the previous government, questioning its commitment to ending the menace.
He particularly cited the Defence Minister’s relentless online criticisms, where he had portrayed the NPP’s efforts as insufficient.
Now that Boamah is in a position of power, Sarpong challenged him to deliver on the bold promises he once made, urging him to demonstrate the same passion for fighting galamsey as he did while in opposition.
“You had all the solutions caged beautifully in your manifesto to deal decisively with the galamsey crisis. In fact, you granted radio and television interviews lambasting President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo for failing to end galamsey.”
Patrick Kwarteng Sarpong
Sarpong further alleged that Omane Boamah orchestrated demonstrations and financed pressure groups to campaign against the previous government’s handling of galamsey, all to gain political power.
Has the Government Lost Control?
According to Patrick Kwarteng Sarpong, Omane Boamah’s involvement in anti-galamsey protests was not limited to social media.
He alleged that the Minister actively worked behind the scenes to organize demonstrations against the government, enlisting the support of clergy and civil society.
“In cahoots with some dishonest politicians masquerading as leaders of organized labor, you called on the government to declare a state of emergency for all forms of mining activities.”
“Whilst you were preaching against the government’s inability to control galamsey in one breath, you were assuring these illegal miners of unfettered access to the forested areas to ply their illegal businesses, in another breath.”
Patrick Kwarteng Sarpong
Sarpong also reminded the Minister of his bold campaign promise to grant amnesty to individuals imprisoned for engaging in illegal mining if the NDC came to power.
He emphasized that this pledge had given hope to many families of jailed miners, who eagerly anticipated their loved ones’ release.
However, with the NDC now in government, illegal mining has resurfaced with full force, raising concerns about its environmental impact.
He noted that the return of miners to the forests has led to further destruction of vegetation and the continued pollution of water bodies, a problem that the NDC had previously condemned while in opposition.
Sarpong questioned whether the government still stands by its promises or if they were merely a political tool used to gain support.
Despite the NDC’s vocal stance against galamsey before assuming office, Sarpong lamented that there has been no significant improvement in the state of Ghana’s water bodies.
He criticized the apparent lack of concrete action to curb illegal mining, arguing that the government must now prove its commitment to environmental protection rather than allowing the situation to worsen under its watch. “The color of the water bodies has not improved. In fact, they are worse now than ever. The ball is in your court now. Fight it!”
His comments reflect a growing frustration among Ghanaians who expected stronger enforcement against illegal mining under the new administration.
The question remains: Will Omane Boamah and the NDC government live up to their promises, or will galamsey continue to wreak havoc on Ghana’s environment?
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