Ghanaian comedian and avowed National Democratic Congress (NDC) supporter, Derick Kobina Bonney, popularly known as DKB, has publicly endorsed President John Dramani Mahama’s commitment to combatting illegal mining, or “galamsey,” amidst growing public concern and planned protests. DKB’s statement comes in response to the announcement by the Democracy Hub pressure group, led by activist Oliver Barker-Vormawor, of a protest scheduled for September 22nd, preceded by a vigil on September 21st. The group aims to pressure the government into taking decisive action against galamsey, which is devastating Ghana’s water bodies and forests. DKB, however, has urged Ghanaians to trust Mahama’s pledge to address the issue, emphasizing the President’s track record of delivering on his promises.
Central to DKB’s argument is the President’s successful handling of the “dumsor” crisis, the persistent power outages that plagued Ghana during Mahama’s first term. DKB recalled the initial skepticism surrounding the President’s promise to resolve the energy crisis, highlighting the eventual success in achieving nine consecutive months of uninterrupted power supply. He uses this example to bolster his confidence in Mahama’s ability to similarly tackle the galamsey menace, urging the public to exercise patience and allow the President time to implement his strategies. DKB contrasts Mahama’s approach with that of other political leaders, implying a greater degree of sincerity and effectiveness in the President’s commitments.
Furthermore, DKB emphasized President Mahama’s respect for democratic principles and the right to protest. He portrayed Mahama as a leader who not only tolerates dissent but actively facilitates it, humorously suggesting that the President would ensure proper street lighting on the day of the protest to prevent any mishaps. This portrayal of Mahama as a pro-democracy leader is intended to alleviate concerns about potential government suppression of the planned demonstrations. DKB portrays the President as understanding and responsive to public concerns, rather than threatened by them.
DKB’s public endorsement of Mahama’s commitment to tackling galamsey serves as a counter-narrative to the growing public anxiety and the impending protests organized by the Democracy Hub. He attempts to reassure the public, drawing parallels between the current galamsey situation and the previously resolved dumsor crisis. By emphasizing Mahama’s past successes and highlighting his democratic credentials, DKB seeks to build trust in the President’s ability and willingness to effectively address the illegal mining problem. He essentially asks the public to have faith in the President’s leadership and to give him the necessary time to implement solutions.
The impending protests organized by the Democracy Hub highlight the urgency and gravity of the galamsey situation in Ghana. The destruction of water bodies and forests poses a significant threat to the environment and the livelihoods of communities dependent on these resources. The group’s decision to hold a vigil and a protest underscores the depth of their concern and their determination to push for immediate government intervention. Their actions reflect a growing public sentiment that the government needs to take more decisive action to combat illegal mining and protect Ghana’s natural resources.
DKB’s response, while supportive of the President, also implicitly acknowledges the seriousness of the issue and the validity of public concern. By drawing a comparison to the dumsor crisis, he acknowledges the scale of the challenge posed by galamsey. His endorsement of Mahama, however, aims to channel public anxiety towards patient expectation rather than immediate protest. He presents Mahama as a leader who is not only capable but also willing to address the problem, suggesting that protests might be premature and potentially counterproductive. This stance effectively positions DKB as a mediating voice between the concerned public and the government, advocating for trust and patience while acknowledging the urgency of the situation.
