A major issue facing Ghana's successive administrations has been illicit mining, also referred to as Galamsey. This threat has not only impacted the main rivers that pass through mining regions, but it has also had an impact on the ecosystem, causing odd ailments and birth defects. That was one of the reasons Akufo Addo pledged to the people of Ghana that he would use his office's resources to address the pressing issue that has also impacted the nation's agricultural sector.
The president did not fall short of his pledge to address illegal mining during the eight years of the NPP government; including his failure also to fight corruption, rather, the activities of illegal mining increased unchecked and unabated during that time. Ghanaians were angry with Akufo Addo's failure to address this significant issue despite his assurances but what many were not aware of was that "Galamsey" earnings had been the main source of finance for NPP political campaigns both before and after the party took office.
The main sources of wealth for many NPP members and the party as a whole have been widespread corruption, money laundering, and illicit mining. These sources are based on governance that benefits a select few under a written book called "Agyapadie." The Ghanaian Embassy in Brussels, the capital of Belgium, received an order from its banker, ING, to remove all funds and shut down its accounts after the Belgian authorities learned that the Ghanaian government had been involved in money laundering.
The attack on non-NPP member businesses and the collapse of banking institutions, which the government dubbed "bank cleansing," were all planned actions based on the governance of the book. Ghanaians should not be surprised that despite Akufo Addo's resolute assurances, he was unable to address the dangerous threat posed by illicit mining. The president has been a major supporter of illegal mining and has received payments from Bernard Antwi-Bosiako and several chiefs.
Bernard Antwi-Bosiako: who is he? The New Patriotic Party's Ashanti Regional Chairman is a Ghanaian politician by the name of Chairman Wontumi. Considering that he is shielded by the same dubious and corrupt law and security that protects Ghana's president, Akufo Addo, the conceited and arrogant man who is driving illegal mining in the Ashanti nation, believes he is among the richest men in the world has little regard for Ghanaians, including the Asantehene. All utterances are disappointing.
In addition to being one of the major sponsors of the NPP's campaigns, Bernard Antwi-Bosiao also offers the president the proceeds of his illicit enterprises. The first person to come and defend Bosiako and argue that he wasn't engaging in unlawful mining was President Akufo Addo when enraged Ghanaians accused him of reckless acts that showed no consideration for the polluted ecosystems and contaminated waterways. If a president isn't getting paid by Bosiako, why would he do that?
Al Jazeera, an international news outlet, inquires, "Who are the Gold Mafia Godmen, conmen, and a president's niece?" during a criminal probe. Akufo Addo, the president of Ghana, seemed to be involved with the Gold Mafia, a group of criminals known for their money laundering and gold-smuggling operations. Alistair Mathias, the brain behind it, revealed laundering for individuals worldwide, including African leaders. Mathias said he moved gold worth between $70 million and $80 million approximately every month, citing Zambia, South Africa, and Ghana as additional countries.
From this article, readers will fully understand why President Akufo Addo failed the battle against illegal mining, despite his resounding promises. The NPP is a master of deceit, and as usual, an NPP politician emerges after a demonstration and the call to stop all illegal mining operations, claiming that the government is afraid of losing all of its seats in mining constituencies if it bans the practice. That is untrue; they fear that they won't have enough money to continue their deceptive campaigns.
Akufo Addo is a man who doesn't give a damn about Ghanaians; therefore, drinking contaminated water doesn't bother him either. The depressing story is how the party's present presidential candidate has been affected by the government's criminal activities. Bawumia claims he has nothing to do with it and is just the driver's mate. However, I also want him to realize that he can’t be president because he is part of a government responsible for financial crimes that have ruined the nation.