Akosua Manu
Special Aide to former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, Akosua Manu, has criticised President John Mahama’s administration for lacking an effective strategy to tackle illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.
Speaking on Adom TV’s Badwam show last Friday, Akosua Manu said that despite years of criticising the New Patriotic Party (NPP) government over illegal mining, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) administration has failed to present a clear plan since assumption of power in Janauary.
“Dr. Bawumia outlined a detailed, science-based approach to addressing the galamsey challenge. What has the NDC delivered so far? Nothing beyond political rhetoric. Ghanaians deserve more than empty promises,” she stated.
Ms. Manu highlighted that the NPP’s 2024 manifesto offered a comprehensive and sustainable framework to tackle illegal mining, adding that the plan focused on geological mapping of gold reserves, ensuring exploration is carried out in a regulated, transparent, and environmentally responsible manner.
“Our plan wasn’t just talk. It was rooted in data and environmental stewardship while also aiming to create jobs. That’s what visionary leadership looks like,” she emphasised.
She also accused senior NDC officials who are Ministers of State of abandoning their previous calls for drastic measures against galamsey during the 2024 election campaign.
Ms. Manu mentioned party officials such as current Communications Minister, Sam George, Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu, Lands and Natural Resources Minister Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, and Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, who called on then NPP government to declare a state of emergency to address the galamsey menace.
“Today, those same individuals hold powerful positions, yet they’ve gone silent on the issue. They’ve walked away from their own words. That’s the hypocrisy Ghanaians are witnessing. So far, all we’ve seen from this government is loud talk and no action,” she stressed.
Akosua Manu, popularly refered to as Kozie, warned that the Mahama administration’s perceived inaction could worsen the environmental and social consequences of illegal mining, pointing to polluted water bodies, destruction of farmlands, and the loss of livelihoods as outcomes of poor leadership on the issue.
She indicated that without decisive and well-structured intervention, the long-term cost of environmental restoration could far outweigh any short-term economic gains from galamsey.
The former Deputy Director of the National Youth Authority (NYA) also urged civil society organisations and the media to hold the NDC government accountable, stressing that Ghanaians cannot survive on slogans while rivers and forests are been destroyed.
Kozie further called on President Mahama to demonstrate leadership and provide clear direction on the issue, as the fight against illegal mining is not about political rivalry but about the survival of future generations.
By Ebenezer K. Amponsah