Galamsey: Akufo-Addo should've declared a state of emergency

Franklin Cudjoe, President of IMANI Africa, says President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo should have declared a state of emergency because of the devastating state of the country’s water bodies due to illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey.

Cudjoe criticised the president for what he perceives as a lack of action, noting that the president’s recent travels to China have taken precedence over addressing the galamsey crisis.

Speaking on The Big Issue on Channel One News on Saturday, he also expressed disappointment with the National Security Minister, whom he accused of failing to recognise the urgency of the situation.

“It behoves us to do that. We are looking up to the president to lead the charge. In a serious civilised country, the call by some of the media actors that some sort of emergency should be declared should have been listened to long ago because this is really an emergency.

“These are people who are going to be killed by these mining activities down the line. I expected the president—that is where leadership count but he is gallivanting in China claiming to be doing what on our behalf.”

“I don’t even understand what is wrong with that man. Look, this is an existential threat. In fact, I even expected the National Security Minister to declare some sort of emergency already but he is also asleep, fast asleep more than even the president… Until the president actually declares an emergency, nothing will happen,” he stated.