CHRAJ Commissioner slams Akufo-Addo over Galamsey crisis

Accra, Ghana - The Commissioner of the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), Joseph Whittal, has expressed outrage over the government's handling of the illegal mining crisis, commonly known as galamsey.

In a scathing interview with BBC News' Komla Adom, Whittal criticized President Akufo-Addo for failing to fulfill his promise to tackle the issue, which has had devastating environmental and health consequences.

"The Commission feels so disappointed in the fight against galamsey and artisanal mining. We are disappointed that no less a person than the President would put his presidency on the line," he stated.

"He promised. Presidents don’t promise and fail on their promises. For what has happened which has dire implications on the health of so many Ghanaians, I must say, the government and the President have disappointed Ghanaians," he added.

Whittal joined growing calls for a state of emergency to be declared over the galamsey crisis, citing alarming water pollution and associated health risks faced by communities in affected areas.

He highlighted disturbing trends such as increased stillbirths, congenital abnormalities in children, and a rise in kidney-related illnesses.

Joseph Whittal is the chairman of the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ)

"I have heard some people call on the President to declare a state of emergency and I actually subscribe to that. Why wait? If you look at the pollution and the effects it is already having… it appears the government seems unconcerned and is ignoring all these worrying trends. I don’t understand," he said

The CHRAJ Commissioner's comments come as public pressure mounts on the government to intensify efforts to curb galamsey, which has ravaged the country's water bodies and farmlands.

Whittal emphasized that as the elected leader, President Akufo-Addo has a duty to act swiftly in addressing the crisis.

"If you win the people’s vote, you are supposed to work for them. So this is a disappointment from the government and from the President, who has a lot of human rights credentials. He should do something before leaving power,” he noted.

The government's inaction has sparked widespread criticism, with many calling for immediate and decisive action to combat the galamsey menace. Whittal's comments add to the growing chorus of voices demanding change.

Source: Florence Kyei /Lead News Online