Minister of Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, says President John Dramani Mahama never promised to end illegal mining — locally known as galamsey — within a specific timeframe.
Speaking on Joy FM’s Super Morning Show on Monday, Mr Kwakye Ofosu said any evaluation of Mr Mahama’s performance should be based on what he actually said and did while in office.
“To be fair, if you want to assess a president, you will have to take him by his own words and actions — the commitments that he made. President Mahama did not give any timelines to ending galamsey,” he told listeners.
Illegal mining remains a major issue in Ghana, with widespread concerns about its impact on water bodies, farmlands, and the environment.
Mr Kwakye Ofosu explained that President Mahama, during a recent media engagement, acknowledged the complexity of the galamsey issue and rejected the idea that it could be solved quickly.
“He said at the media encounter that he was not under any illusion that by the wink of a magic wand, galamsey would end — because it is an insidious problem,” the minister said.
He added that the government continues to pursue long-term solutions, including tougher law enforcement and stronger regulation, to address the problem.
The minister also said the government recognises the growing frustration among communities affected by illegal mining activities.
“Government fully appreciates the genuine concerns people have expressed on galamsey, and these are not matters we take lightly,” he said.
While acknowledging the steps taken so far, Mr Kwakye Ofosu stressed that the fight against galamsey cannot be won by government alone.
“We cannot pretend it is an easy fight,” he said. “But what we can assure Ghanaians is that the government has not lost sight of its duty to protect lives, livelihoods and the environment.”
He urged the public to support ongoing efforts and to resist political interference, warning that the country’s natural resources are at stake.
“We must all rally behind the measures being implemented. The survival of our water bodies and farmlands cannot be compromised,” he added.
Source:TheDotNews