The Member of Parliament (MP) for Ketu South Constituency, Dzifa Abla Gomashie, has asserted that President Nana Akufo-Addo has “checked out of this country long ago” in relation to the ongoing fight against illegal mining, known as galamsey, in Ghana.
Speaking to the media in Agbozume, she emphasized the urgency of sustaining efforts against illegal mining and called for a renegotiation of mining practices to allow forest reserves to recover.
“Let the environment breathe again and then let’s renegotiate how we do mining in our country. We’re not the only people with gold, but we’re the ones who are shamed internationally for destroying our water bodies and our forest reserves,” Gomashie stated.
Dzifa Gomashie criticized the president for his perceived inaction, saying, “Our president, Nana Akufo-Addo checked out of this country long ago; he may be physically present but he is not here with us.” She also expressed concern that the Ghanaian media lacks the courage to confront those in power regarding galamsey activities.
Regarding the recent failed anti-galamsey strike by organized labor, Gomashie, a Catholic, expressed her support for a prayer walk initiated by some members of the church to combat the menace.
“Enough is enough; pause for a moment and take into consideration all that is going on, and take a step that will rectify the situation. We’re tired of the history lessons of how it was before; the reality is worse than before,” she lamented.
In response to the escalating crisis, President Akufo-Addo has directed the Minister for Defence to increase military personnel for “Operation Halt,” a government initiative aimed at combating illegal mining, particularly near water bodies and forest reserves. This decision comes amid rising demands from Organised Labour for an immediate halt to galamsey activities, along with threats of strikes if the government fails to act decisively.
A press release dated October 9, 2024, from the Presidency indicated that the operation will be significantly enhanced, including the deployment of naval boats on polluted rivers to enforce a suspension of all mining activities—both legal and illegal. The increased military presence aims to protect Ghana’s natural resources and reduce the environmental damage caused by illegal mining. The government reiterated its commitment to safeguarding the country’s water bodies and forest reserves, declaring that no mining activities will be permitted in designated “red zones.”