Former General Secretary of the Convention People’s Party (CPP), Nana Yaa Jantuah, has criticized Majority Chief Whip, Frank Annoh Dompreh, for supporting the Akufo-Addo-led administration’s approach to addressing illegal mining (galamsey).
During a parliamentary session on September 3, 2024, Annoh Dompreh, MP for Nsawam Adoagyiri, asserted that the National Democratic Congress (NDC) was more responsible for water pollution related to galamsey than the current administration.
He stated, “If we are to look and investigate both sides of the House (NPP and NDC), I can tell you that the NDC polluted the water more than us. So, let’s get matters straight.”
However, in an interview on Adom FM’s morning show, Dwaso Nsem, on Friday, Nana Yaa Jantuah expressed concerns about Mr. Annoh Dompreh’s comments.
“You could not clean and regularize your water bodies, but you are comparing the current situation to the past. The fact that you are not doing it right does not mean you should use the past as an excuse” she said.
Nana Yaa Jantuah contended that the persistent issues with galamsey necessitate more urgent and decisive action.
“It is shameless to compare and deflect. What is needed is a comprehensive ban on any form of mining,” she said.
She also highlighted the problematic aspects of the illegal mining industry.
“The kingpins behind galamsey are involved in dangerous gangs and cartels. The more you kill them, the more they get stars. This is a holistic cartel destroying our country” she said.
She further underscored the severity of the issue by drawing comparisons between Ghana’s situation and that of other countries.
“I have traveled to other countries, and even though they don’t have gold, the level of gold there is worrying” Ms. Jantuah added.