Former Member of Parliament for Adentan, Kojo Adu Asare, has urged government to be more forthright with Ghanaians on the challenges of tackling illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.
Speaking on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen, Mr. Adu Asare recalled that while President Mahama once suggested declaring a state of emergency as a last resort, nine months into the new administration the approach remains unchanged.
“It is a bit difficult and disappointing that nine months into a new government, we’re still singing the same song. It doesn’t look good,” he said.
He noted that the galamsey crisis, coupled with debates on LGBTQI, continues to cause unease. According to him, government must communicate openly when its original promises prove difficult to implement.
“I believe we must say what we mean and mean what we say. If we said certain things, but on coming in we are finding execution challenging, we should quickly step in and let Ghanaians understand that this is our new position,” he explained.
Mr. Adu Asare drew parallels with the late President John Atta Mills, who promptly addressed the one-time health insurance premium campaign pledge after a feasibility study found it unworkable.
He also cited former President Kufuor’s adjustments in ministerial appointments as examples of transparent governance.
He argued that acknowledging the difficulties would prevent negative perceptions from festering in the minds of citizens.
“Galamsey is the biggest headache of the government now, and there are no two ways about it,” he stressed, adding that strategies such as permanent military deployment and water guards are being considered.
Mr. Adu Asare, however, raised concerns about the sustainability of these measures, stressing that beyond government interventions, citizens must also play an active role.
“From the little I know, I wonder what methods will be employed. We are trying several methods and I hope we find a lasting solution. But aside from government intervention, what mindset do we as citizens bring to support the fight and make it sustainable, especially those directly involved in galamsey?” he questioned.
Source: Gertrude Otchere
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