The escalating galamsey crisis in Ghana has prompted veteran journalist Paul Adom Otchere to publicly question the conspicuous silence of leading figures within the National Democratic Congress (NDC), particularly concerning their previous fervent advocacy for a state of emergency to combat the illegal mining menace. Adom Otchere, speaking on Metro TV’s Good Morning Ghana program, highlighted the stark contrast between the NDC’s prior outspokenness on the issue during the presidency of Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and their current reticence under the administration of President John Mahama. He specifically named prominent NDC members like Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, and Haruna Iddrisu, who were vocal proponents of declaring a state of emergency to address galamsey during Akufo-Addo’s tenure.
Adom Otchere’s central argument revolves around the perceived worsening of the galamsey situation under the current administration. He contends that the scale of illegal mining activities has intensified, posing an even greater threat to Ghana’s environment and socio-economic fabric than before. This, he argues, makes the NDC’s silence all the more perplexing and concerning, given their previous insistence on drastic measures like a state of emergency. By juxtaposing the NDC’s past pronouncements with their current inaction, Adom Otchere seeks to underscore what he perceives as a lack of consistency in their approach to the galamsey problem, raising questions about their commitment to tackling the issue irrespective of who holds the reins of power.
The journalist’s pointed questioning of the NDC’s stance serves to highlight the political dimensions of the galamsey crisis. He implies that the party’s previous calls for a state of emergency might have been politically motivated, aimed at criticizing the then-ruling government rather than stemming from genuine concern for the environment and affected communities. This perceived politicization of the issue, according to Adom Otchere, undermines the credibility of the NDC’s position and casts doubt on the sincerity of their commitment to finding lasting solutions to the galamsey problem.
Furthermore, Adom Otchere emphasizes the devastating consequences of unchecked illegal mining activities. He paints a grim picture of the environmental degradation caused by galamsey, including the pollution of water bodies, destruction of arable land, and the long-term threat to the livelihoods of communities dependent on these resources. He underscores the urgency of the situation, arguing that the future of generations to come is at stake if the galamsey menace is not effectively addressed. This emphasizes the need for a unified, non-partisan approach to combat the issue, transcending political divides and prioritizing the collective good of the nation.
By calling out the NDC’s silence, Adom Otchere implicitly challenges them to demonstrate their commitment to environmental protection and the well-being of Ghanaians by renewing their calls for decisive action against galamsey. He argues that political consistency is crucial for maintaining credibility and effectiveness in addressing critical national issues like illegal mining. He suggests that the NDC’s silence, in light of their previous strong stance, could be interpreted as a tacit endorsement of the current situation, potentially eroding public trust in their commitment to fighting galamsey.
In essence, Adom Otchere’s commentary seeks to hold the NDC accountable for their previous pronouncements on galamsey and to push them to take a consistent and proactive stance against the escalating crisis. He frames the issue not just as an environmental concern, but also as a test of the NDC’s political integrity and their commitment to the welfare of the nation. His pointed questioning aims to spark a renewed public discourse on the galamsey menace and to pressure political leaders across the spectrum to prioritize finding effective and lasting solutions to this critical national challenge.
