Ghana's future is at risk, Akufo-Addo must act swiftly on galamsey
Accra, Ghana - October 13, 2024 - Professor Ransford Gyampo, a renowned political scientist and governance expert at the University of Ghana, has penned an open letter to President Akufo-Addo, addressing two key propaganda claims hindering the fight against illegal mining.
Gyampo disputes the notion that the New Patriotic Party's (NPP) poor electoral performance in 2020 resulted from President Akufo-Addo's initial commitment to fighting illegal mining.
He argues that empirical facts, accessible through the Director of Research in the President's Office, Dr. Isaac Owusu Mensah, would reveal that the party's incompetence in certain areas, not the fight against illegal mining, led to their poor performance.
Additionally, Gyampo rejects the claim that the call to action against illegal mining, just two months before the 2024 elections, aims to make the NPP unpopular. He emphasizes that concerns about illegal mining have been raised for years, but authorities have failed to act.
Gyampo urges President Akufo-Addo to:
- Sustain efforts to combat illegal mining, particularly in protected areas
- Withdraw the Legislative Instrument enabling mining in these areas
- Ensure quality representation from NPP MPs
He believes addressing illegal mining will win the hearts of Ghanaians and bolster the President's legacy, alongside the free SHS program.
Gyampo also calls for maturity in thoughts, reactions, and perceptions, encouraging the President to remember his oath and prioritize the well-being of Ghanaians.
Source: Florence Kyei /Lead News Online
