Sam George's Evasive Galamsey Defence: From Vocal Critic To Silent Minister

The recent outburst by the Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation, Hon. Samuel Nartey George, asking, "Is my ministry in charge of galamsey?" is not only awkward but exposes the unprincipled nature of the NDC in government.

For the record, no Ghanaian has ever said the Ministry of Communication is in charge of fighting illegal mining. What Ghanaians are asking is simple: where is the Sam George who had all the answers and the antidote in opposition?

In opposition, Hon. Sam George was one of the loudest critics of the NPP government's fight against the galamsey menace. He made categorical statements, went on every media platform, and painted a picture that the NPP was supervising the destruction of our water bodies. He promised that an NDC government would end galamsey in no time.

Today, one year and nine months into office, galamsey has worsened under his government's watch. Our water bodies are more polluted, our forest reserves are under siege, and the same Sam George who knew everything has suddenly lost his voice.

Unfortunately, when concerned and patriotic Ghanaians question him, his response is to arrogantly ask if his ministry is in charge. This is the height of political hypocrisy.

Hon. Sam George must understand that governance is a collective responsibility. He is not just the Minister for Communication; he is a senior member of this government, a Member of Parliament, and a leading voice of the NDC who made galamsey a campaign weapon. He cannot run away from accountability now.

It is even more insulting that anytime this government is put under pressure, it tries to unintelligently personalize issues instead of addressing the substance. Ghanaians are worried about the water they drink and the lands being destroyed, not about which ministry is officially in charge.

If "Is my ministry in charge?" is the new excuse, then we must ask: Was his ministry in charge when he was attacking President Akufo-Addo and Hon. Abu Jinapor over galamsey?

Indeed, Hon. Sam George must respect Ghanaians enough to account for his government's poor response to this national crisis. Ghanaians are watching, and they will not be deceived twice.