Lawyer Nana Obiri Boahen, a former Deputy General Secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has argued that it is unjust to criticize President Akufo-Addo for his handling of the illegal mining (galamsey) issue.
Lawyer Nana Obiri Boahen singled out Prof. Stephen Adei, former Chairman of the National Development Planning Commission (NDPC), and Prof. Ransford Gyampo for their harsh critiques of the president’s efforts.
Professor Stephen Adei called on President Akufo-Addo to declare a national emergency to address the issue of illegal mining (galamsey).
However, in a response during an interview on a Kumasi-based television station, Lawyer Nana Obiri Boahen argued that Professor Adei’s comments are unfair to President Akufo-Addo.
He asserted that the NPP government, led by Akufo-Addo, has made significant progress in the fight against galamsey compared to previous administrations.
According to Lawyer Nana Obiri Boahen, the NPP government has made more significant strides in the fight against galamsey than any previous administration.
Lawyer Nana Obiri Boahen pointed out that the government has regulated the mining sector by allowing people to obtain licenses to operate legally.
He criticized individuals like Professor Adei, Professor Ransford Gyampo, and Hon. Mintah Akandoh for politicizing the galamsey issue and failing to approach it realistically.
Furthermore, Lawyer Nana Obiri Boahen emphasized that cocoa farmers should not be relegated to low-status roles and that they deserve to thrive.
He argued that cocoa farmers are not irrational; rather, if they consider selling their farms, it is often because they believe it would provide financial security as they age.
He rejected the notion that cocoa farmers who sell their land are unpatriotic.
Galamsey has left a trail of environmental destruction in its wake, polluting rivers, destroying farmlands, and decimating ecosystems.
The once-pristine rivers Pra, Birim, and Ankobra are now poisoned with toxic chemicals like mercury and cyanide, turning vital water sources into health hazards. This environmental crisis has far-reaching consequences, affecting millions of Ghanaians who rely on these rivers for drinking water and agriculture.
The destruction of fertile land has also exacerbated food insecurity, forcing many in rural communities to abandon traditional farming in favor of illegal mining, further entrenching poverty. The government’s response, including the “Operation Vanguard” task force, has been marred by allegations of corruption and a lack of transparency, deepening public mistrust.