If we can't solve galamsey, what else can we solve? — Dr Otchere-Ankrah quizzes Akufo-Addo

Governance Analyst and Development Expert, Dr. Benjamin Otchere-Ankrah, has criticised President Akufo-Addo's lack of decisive action against illegal mining, one of the country’s most pressing environmental crisis.

The conversation on illegal mining, known as galamsey, has intensified following reports from the Ghana Water Company Limited that it is struggling to find raw water for processing in Cape Coast, Elmina, and surrounding areas due to pollution of the Pra River by galamsey activities.

This has resulted in severe water shortages, disrupting the daily activities of residents.

Speaking on Peace FM’s 'Kokrokoo' morning show, Dr. Otchere-Ankrah expressed deep frustration with the government’s inability to curb illegal mining.

“Who else should we entrust with the mandate to fight illegal mining apart from the President. The President should just act. As said by the Speaker of Parliament, we are unable to crack the whip because we are sponsored by galamseyers.”

He added, “Let us remember that if everyone in the country should perish as a result of illegal mining, then who would you come to govern as President and Parliamentarian?"

Dr. Otchere-Ankrah slammed organised labour groups like the Trades Union Congress (TUC), Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), and the National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT) for their stoning silence on the issue, questioning why they are not actively protesting against the galamsey menace.

“If we can’t solve galamsey, what else can we solve then?” he asked. “Galamsey sites are full of arms and this is scary. The question therefore, is, where did they get all these arms from?"

He criticised state institutions and traditional leaders for turning a blind eye to the destructive activities of illegal miners, warning that continued inaction threatens the health and safety of Ghanaians.

“An excavator is not a pen drive that you could hide in your pocket without anyone seeing it. I will be glad to hear from the Trades Union Congress (TUC), Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), and National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT) and all Organised Labour that they are demonstrating against the menace of illegal mining. Why are they all very quiet? This is our life,” Dr. Otchere-Ankrah noted.