Franklin Cudjoe, President of IMANI Africa, has urged President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to declare a state of emergency in response to the severe damage inflicted on the nation’s water bodies by illegal mining, also known as galamsey.
Cudjoe criticized the president for what he sees as inaction, pointing out that the president’s recent focus on trips to China has overshadowed the pressing issue of galamsey.
During an appearance on Channel One News’ “The Big Issue” on Saturday, Cudjoe also voiced his frustration with the National Security Minister, accusing him of not recognising the critical nature of the crisis.
“It behoves us to do that. We are looking up to the president to lead the charge.
In a serious civilised country, the call by some of the media actors that some sort of emergency should be declared should have been listened to long ago because this is really an emergency.
“These are people who are going to be killed by these mining activities down the line. I expected the president—that is where leadership counts, but he is gallivanting in China claiming to be doing what on our behalf.”
“I don’t even understand what is wrong with that man. Look, this is an existential threat.
In fact, I even expected the National Security Minister to declare some sort of emergency already, but he is also asleep, fast asleep more than even the president… Until the president actually declares an emergency, nothing will happen,” he stated.