Galamsey: ‘I don't see the need for my resignation, Akufo-Addo's impeachment’ — Lands Minister

Samuel Abu Jinapor, the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, has reacted to calls for his resignation and the impeachment of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo over their failure to stop illegal small-scale mining, known locally as galamsey.

Members of the clergy, the Ghana Agriculture and Aquaculture Associations, among others, in respective press statements on Thursday, September 12, demanded the resignation of the minister and his deputies.

Among individuals calling for the President’s impeachment is Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, the Member of Parliament for North Tongu constituency.

In a social media post on Thursday, the lawmaker wrote, "President Akufo-Addo must be impeached for not only failing to keep his promise to stop galamsey but for his complicity in authorizing the highest number of mining licenses to reckless elements engaged in destructive and murderous mining."

However, speaking in an interview on Accra-based Joy FM, the minister acknowledged the democratic rights to opinion but said there is no need to heed them.

“I have heard other groups say that the president should be impeached and so on. In a democracy, with the greatest of respect, people are entitled to express views. But I don’t see the need for that," he stated.