In a scathing critique of President Akufo-Addo and Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia’s administration, Member of Parliament for North Tongu Constituency, Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has expressed his dismay at the government’s continued issuance of small-scale mining licenses amidst growing national outrage against illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey.
The Chairman of the Parliamentary Assurances Committee, in his critique, condemned the current administration’s handling of the galamsey crisis, describing the government’s actions as reckless and complicit in the environmental degradation plaguing the country.
Hon. Ablakwa revealed that, according to records from the Minerals Commission, an alarming 38 small-scale mining licenses have been issued between August and September 2024 alone.
This figure, he pointed out, represents more than half of the total licenses issued from January to July this year.
“This figure for 2 months is more than half of all licenses approved between January and July this year. In one day — September 4, 2024, a total of 12 licenses were hurriedly granted ministerial approval. In 2024 alone, the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia government has so far issued an extremely disturbing number of 70 small-scale licenses”.
Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, MP for North Tongu Constituency and Chairman for the Assurance Committee of Parliament
The National Democratic Congress lawmaker expressed disbelief that despite the overwhelming public outcry and the undeniable environmental devastation caused by illegal mining, the government continues to sanction activities that exacerbate the crisis.
The Environmental Impact of Galamsey
The environmental impact of galamsey, particularly the pollution of river bodies and forests, has reached catastrophic levels, according to Hon. Ablakwa.
The North Tongu MP cited findings from environmental activists, who argue that the damage caused by licensed small-scale miners is almost indistinguishable from that inflicted by illegal miners.
This revelation, he said, underscores the urgent need for the government to halt the issuance of mining licenses entirely, at least until effective solutions are found to mitigate the environmental harm caused by mining activities.
Hon. Ablakwa did not mince words in calling for President Akufo-Addo’s impeachment, accusing him of complicity in the galamsey crisis.
“President Akufo-Addo deserves to be impeached, not only for his failure to stop galamsey as he promised but for actively authorizing the highest number of mining licenses to destructive elements”.
Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, MP for North Tongu Constituency and Chairman for the Assurance Committee of Parliament
He further labelled the President as “dangerous” and called for severe punishment for what he described as the administration’s betrayal of the Ghanaian people and its disregard for the environment.
The North Tongu MP’s call for impeachment comes at a time when the country is grappling with widespread environmental degradation linked to illegal mining.
Various stakeholders, including environmental activists, civil society groups, and community leaders, have been vocal about the government’s apparent lack of commitment to fighting galamsey, despite President Akufo-Addo’s earlier declaration that he was willing to risk his political career to stop the practice.
Organized Labour, in an earlier statement, urged the President to take swift action and declare a State of Emergency, as stipulated in Articles 31 and 31(4) of the 1992 Constitution.
Organized Labour indicated that this declaration should include an immediate halt to all mining activities, both legal and illegal, in forest reserves and around water bodies.
It warned that it will launch a series of protests and a nationwide strike by the end of September 2024 if the government fails to heed their demands and address the pressing issues.
The North Tongu Member of Parliament’s latest accusations bring renewed attention to the ongoing galamsey discussion, with many questioning whether the government’s actions align with its public stance on environmental protection.
His demand for accountability puts additional pressure on the New Patriotic Party administration, which has already been under fire for its handling of the galamsey menace.
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