Tamale South MP, Hon. Haruna Iddrisu, has expressed disappointment that Ghana’s Parliament has fallen short in its oversight responsibilities, particularly in holding the government accountable for the management of the nation’s mineral and forest resources.
Hon. Iddrisu emphasized that the ongoing devastation of Ghana’s natural environment is having a devastating impact on the country’s forest and water resources, and urgent action is needed to stop this destruction.
He asserted that the only way to stop the destruction of Ghana’s valuable natural environment is to declare the fight against illegal mining a national emergency, thereby prioritizing and intensifying efforts to combat this menace
“But we also must accept that, as of today, the responsibility of the management of our natural resources is vested in the President. He [President Akufo-Addo] is a monumental failure when it comes to the fight against galamsey”.
“Let’s admit it. Let’s let him appreciate that he has failed. As a country, should gold be a curse? Certainly not. God gifted us [gold] for us to take advantage of it for socioeconomic development for our country. Our strategy has failed, whether it is military or whatever it is”.
Hon. Haruna Iddrisu
Hon. Iddrisu indicated that impeachment proceedings against the President are warranted due to the administration’s ineptitude in tackling the galamsey crisis, making such action a necessary recourse.
He believes this drastic measure is warranted due to the catastrophic consequences of illegal mining on the lives and livelihoods of countless Ghanaians, whose very existence is being threatened by this destructive activity.
However, Hon. Iddrisu pointed out that initiating an impeachment process would likely devolve into a partisan battle in parliament, overshadowing the substance of the issue.
He stated that as a result, the merits of the case against the President’s handling of galamsey would not receive the objective scrutiny they deserve.
Iddrisu Demands Akufo-Addo’s Resignation
Furthermore, Hon. Haruna Iddrisu called for President Akufo-Addo’s immediate resignation, accusing his administration of reneging on its promises to combat illegal mining (galamsey) and failing to take effective action against this persistent problem.
Hon. Iddrisu reminded the President of his 2017 promise to stake his presidency on combating galamsey, lamenting that the situation has only deteriorated further, with illegal mining activities escalating despite the pledge.
“We heard President Akufo-Addo put his job on the line in 2017. What has he done since he failed to combat illegal mining? He would have bowed out and said, ‘I have no honor because my pledge to fight galamsey has fallen flat.’”
Hon. Haruna Iddrisu
Hon. Iddrisu also lambasted President Akufo-Addo and his ministers for engaging in self-congratulatory rhetoric, despite their abject failure to fulfill their promise to stamp out galamsey, highlighting a stark disconnect between their words and actions.
“You heard that comment of the majority where they said that ‘the NDC polluted water more than the NPP’. Where is the data? What he said, is it backed by any statistical evidence? Certainly not. Does it have the capability of solving galamsey? Certainly not. So why won’t parliament fail Ghana?”
Hon. Haruna Iddrisu
The Tamale South MP stressed that leaders must be held accountable for their public commitments, especially those pertaining to environmental protection and the well-being of affected communities.
He indicated that accountability is crucial to ensure that pledges are not merely empty promises, but rather tangible commitments that yield positive change.
Hon. Iddrisu voiced skepticism about the current NPP administration’s capacity to effectively address the galamsey menace, citing their past performance as a basis for his doubts.
He noted that given their track record, he questioned whether they possess the necessary commitment and resolve to tackle the issue with the urgency and seriousness it demands.
“I certainly do not trust the current political leadership that they can do better about galamsey”. – Hon. Haruna Iddrisu
READ ALSO: Mr Beautiful Reveals Reason for Social Media Hiatus
