John Oti Bless, the Chairman of the Sanitation and Water Resources Committee of Parliament, has criticised President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo over his pledge to win the fight against illegal mining, locally known as ‘galamsey’.
The Member of Parliament for Nkwanta North, said President Akufo-Addo should have resigned for his inability to fulfill a key promise he made in 2017 to tackle the growing menace which he said will help protect Ghana’s water bodies, even if it meant putting his presidency on the line.
Upon assuming office in 2017, President Akufo-Addo made a resolute declaration to win the galamsey fight that resonated across the country.
President Akufo-Addo vowed to crack down on the practice and famously stated he would put his presidency on the line to ensure that galamsey was brought under control.
This pledge was met with widespread approval at the time, as many Ghanaians were desperate to see an end to the environmental degradation caused by illegal mining, especially the contamination of water bodies, destruction of farmlands, and the displacement of communities.
Bless expressing deep frustration during an interview with Citi FM condemned what he described as President Akufo-Addo’s failure to uphold his commitment and must be held accountable.
He emphasised that the president’s inaction in the face of such a critical national issue was not only disappointing but also unpardonable.
“If you recall the president promised that he was going to put his presidency on the line if galamsey was not curtailed so it is up to you the media to invite him again, call on him again, ask him. Like you said, you were putting your presidency on the line.
“So now that the issue is getting out of hand, it is escalating. I believe you read the World Bank report that says that within a few years, Ghana has to import water.
“Akufo-Addo being a human rights lawyer and his thing happening under your nose is unpardonable,” Bless said.
