In what can only be described as a worrying trend of omission, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo failed to address some crucial national issues of concerns in his State of the Nation Address on February 27, 2024.
The President’s 31-page address raised eyebrows as it conspicuously omitted mention of key issues such as corruption, unemployment, flooding caused by the Akosombo and Kpong dams spillage, and notably, the state of the country’s fight against illegal mining, locally known as “galamsey”.
It is absolutely surprising that President Akufo-Addo, who assumed office with a strong anti-galamsey advocacy in 2017, seems to have overlooked updating the nation on the progress his administration has made in tackling the menace.
His commitment to ending galamsey was exemplified in July 2017 when he rallied traditional leaders, emphasizing the importance of citizens’ assistance in combating the environmental threat.
The President vowed to reclaim lands affected by galamsey activities for the sake of posterity, stressing the need for a “green country” and a “clean space”.
“We all know that we have been in difficult times and times like these there is a need to keep body and soul together. Every man has a duty to provide for the family and sometimes use every means possible. But there are things we can’t just allow to happen and one of them is the abuse of our heritage”.
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo
The President’s silence on galamsey during such a significant occasion as the State of the Nation Address is without doubt very worrying, especially considering the significant allocation of state resources that was put into the fight against illegal mining.
The apparent lack of accountability and responsibility in addressing such critical issue is difficult to come to terms with.
It is important to state that illegal mining, particularly the use of heavy machinery such as excavators and bulldozers, has become a severe threat to Ghana’s ecosystems.
The Devastating Impact of Illegal Mining
The impact on forests, farmlands, and water resources is devastating, with experts warning that primary forests in Ghana may disappear in a few years. Notably, cocoa production saw a drastic decline of 34% in the first half of 2022 compared to the previous year, according to Ghana COCOBOD.
The environmental consequences of illegal mining extend beyond deforestation and reduced agricultural output. Research suggests a significant increase in renal function impairment among Ghanaians, ranging from 13% to 17% of the population, or approximately 4 million to 5.2 million citizens.
Health professionals attribute this surge to the detrimental impact of illegal mining on water bodies and the overall environment.
The Coalition Against Galamsey has expressed its concern over the President’s silence on such a critical national issue. Rev Dr. Kwabena Opuni Frimpong, the President of the coalition, highlighted the urgency for President Akufo-Addo to address the issue before leaving office.
He urged the President to provide the nation with an update on the progress made, outline the challenges faced, and recommend measures to address the troubling issues related to illegal mining.
“At least why have we not been able to change the colors of our waters? Why can’t the people around Birem including Akyem people drink Birem at this moment?”
Rev. Dr Kwabena Opuni Frimpong
It is important to emphasize the need for President Akufo-Addo to render accountability in the country’s fight against galamsey for the sake of the nation’s environment, economy, and public health.
His apparent silence on such critical issue during the State of the Nation Address was not just worrying but also a blight on his stewardship.
READ ALSO: NDC General Secretary Outlines Mahama’s Vision And Policies For Ghana
