Prof. Kwaku Azar Asare, an astute lawyer, has stated that since President Akufo-Addo has committed his presidency to address the issue of galamsey, it is the duty of citizens to demand that he protect Ghana’s rivers, forests, and natural resources.
He highlighted that the country faces an existential threat, noting that, for the first time, Catholic bishops have organized a prayer walk in the streets.
Additionally, Prof. Asare pointed out that the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG ) has gone on strike to express its concerns over the worsening environmental crisis.
“Thanks for your recent message, my brother [referring to Justice A. Newton-Offei, a presidential staffer]. I’m afraid you are becoming too fixated on American and British issues, which often leads to misunderstandings or misinterpretations of the local context.
“The positions I hold today are the same as those I held when they had the full support of the President. This is why he put his Presidency on the line”.
Prof. Kwaku Azar Asare
Prof. Asare further lamented that Ghana’s cocoa farms, a vital part of the nation’s economy and heritage, are being destroyed, while the country’s once-thriving forest reserves are being devastated due to illegal mining activities and deforestation.
He expressed deep concern over the rise in birth deformities and the emergence of other previously unknown diseases, which he attributes to environmental pollution and contamination.
Furthermore, the lawyer highlighted the urgent warning from the Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL) that the nation’s water supplies are in imminent danger, threatening the health and well-being of communities and ecosystems across Ghana.
He emphasized that the real issue stems from well-known political operatives who are actively involved in galamsey and are using their influence and connections to exploit the country’s resources for personal gain. “The issue isn’t with the owners of shovels”.
Prof. Asare noted that Ghanaians are well aware of the identities of these politicians, as many discuss their actions privately.
However, he stressed that it is time for citizens to be bold and publicly name them, calling for accountability and transparency in the fight against illegal mining.“Call for law enforcement to hold them accountable”.
Prof. Asare Advocates for Exposing Injustice
Moreover, Prof. Kwaku Azar Asare argued that there is no moral justification in calling for the remand of protesters who were arrested while staying silent about the real masterminds behind illegal mining.
He emphasized that true social redemption lies in holding the actual galamsey kingpins accountable, rather than punishing those who speak out against the issue.
“Instead of writing lengthy responses to GOGO, who hasn’t harmed our rivers, why not focus on the real issue: the galamsey kingpins?
“Rather than this misguided fixation on galamsey protestors, why not join the rest of the country in calling for meaningful action against those responsible for the destruction?”
Prof. Kwaku Azar Asare
He further questioned whether Ghanaians are truly willing to let politics blind them, allowing these kingpins to continue profiting at the expense of their environment and the future of the nation.
He expressed concern that, if left unchecked, these individuals would further exploit natural resources, leading to irreversible damage to ecosystems and communities.
Prof. Asare urged citizens to prioritize the long-term health and sustainability of their country over political affiliations, emphasizing the need for collective action to confront the powerful forces undermining Ghana’s environmental integrity and well-being.
He urged citizens to prioritize genuine accountability and cease enabling those who are systematically destroying the country.
He called on the public to critically evaluate their actions and choices, emphasizing that passive acceptance only empowers those who engage in corrupt practices and illegal activities.
Prof. Asare stressed the importance of demanding transparency from leaders and holding them accountable for their decisions that harm the environment and undermine the nation’s future. “I know you can do better than this”.
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