Galamsey: It's too late late to fire Lands Minister- Justice Atuguba

Accra, Ghana - In a recent interview on JoyNews'  former Supreme Court Justice William Atuguba shared his thoughts on the call for Minister of Lands and Natural Resources Samuel Jinapor's removal.

Atuguba believes that with President Akufo-Addo's term nearing its end, replacing Jinapor wouldn't significantly address Ghana's illegal mining issues, as the new minister would have limited time to tackle the problem.

The Minority on the Works and Housing Committee has been demanding Jinapor's removal, along with his deputies, citing their failure to safeguard Ghana's water bodies from the devastating effects of illegal mining.

Atuguba posed a thought-provoking question: "Have those in power lived up to their responsibilities?"

"To some extent, we are all to blame. The President has how many months left to exit office? Is this the time for calling for this sort of thing? If he fires the minister and brings in a new one, how much work can he do within this time? And these are politicians—it is election season, and they are going about campaigning. This call should have come much earlier. I do not think the timing is right," he stated.

Atuguba emphasized that sacking Jinapor wouldn't necessarily prompt improvement, as the minister could still be motivated to perform better.

However, he noted that in advanced countries, ministers typically resign when faced with crises like water pollution caused by illegal mining. 

This practice is common in nations like Britain, where prime ministers have stepped down, including one who resigned just three days into office.

“They act on principles, and that is what is lacking in Africa's system. Principles are thrown to the gutters. Principles are aligned with our national life. It is opportunism; it is party affiliation, party loyalty, personal loyalty. These are the things, and it is very unfortunate," added.

Source : Lead News Online