Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah, a Member of Parliament for Manhyia South, asserts that the current government is failing to tackle illegal mining operations in Ghana. He described the situation as having “no fight” against the pervasive issue of 'galamsey'. Mr. Awuah, speaking from the New Patriotic Party (NPP) perspective, questioned the effectiveness of ongoing measures. His remarks were made during an interview on JoyNews Desk.
Mr. Awuah highlighted the continued pollution of Ghana's water bodies as clear evidence of the government’s insufficient action. "The water bodies are there for everyone to see. They are coloured water bodies, heavily coloured water bodies," he stated. He believes that tangible results, not just words or promises, should demonstrate success in combating illegal mining. The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) should show clear improvements if it is performing well, according to the MP.
This criticism comes amid ongoing debates about responsible resource management in Ghana. Mining is a significant contributor to the nation's economy, but unchecked illegal activities cause severe environmental damage. Previous administrations, including the recent Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo government, implemented policies such as a nationwide ban on small-scale mining to address the problem. Experts often point to strong governance in the mining sector as a pathway out of poverty for Ghana.
"I don’t think that in recent history any government has fought galamsey as Nana Addo did," Mr. Awuah commented. He referenced the ban introduced during his party's tenure as proof of their commitment. The NPP MP also mentioned that during this period, policies were developed to encourage responsible mining practices. He suggested that while mistakes may have occurred, the achievements of the Akufo-Addo administration were often overshadowed by criticism.
Mr. Awuah emphasized the critical role of mining in Ghana's economic development. He stressed the need for improved governance to ensure the country reaps more benefits, especially considering foreign companies often repatriate profits. The focus, he suggested, should be on sustainable mining that safeguards the environment while fostering economic growth. He believes that the NDC capitalized on public dissatisfaction with previous shortcomings to gain political advantage.
The MP urged the media to play a crucial role in holding leaders accountable and transparently presenting the reality on the ground to citizens. This, he stated, helps the public understand which leaders are performing effectively. He noted that mining is a vital resource for the nation's progress, but its exploitation must be balanced with environmental preservation. The legislator called for responsible mining practices that benefit the populace without harming the environment, seeing it as essential for the nation's destiny. He also pointed out that while the Akufo-Addo and Dr. Bawumia administration had some shortcomings, their positive contributions to the mining sector were often overlooked due to intense criticism.