News
Minority calls out government over illegal mining woes
The Minority in Parliament has accused government of failing to tackle illegal mining, popularly known as “galamsey”, despite making big promises before coming into power.
In a strongly worded statement released on Thursday, the Minority said the galamsey crisis has worsened just six months into the new government’s term.
They described the situation as a “national emergency” and blamed the government for allowing the destruction of forests, rivers, and farmlands to continue unchecked.
The statement indicated that although the government was given GHC 50 million this year to fight illegal mining, five times more than what the previous government received, little has been done to stop the practice.
The Minority also pointed to ongoing illegal mining in President John Mahama’s hometown, Bole Bamboi, where the Yonkamba stream, a key water source, has been polluted.
They said this shows a lack of seriousness and commitment from the highest levels of government.
They further accused top government officials and local authorities of secretly supporting illegal miners.
In places like Suaman, they claimed that even equipment meant for road works is being used for illegal mining, with no one holding the perpetrators accountable.
The group criticised the Goldbod initiative which the government said would help clean up the gold trade.
According to the Minority, Goldbod is instead buying gold from illegal miners and enriching a few powerful people, including those close to the government.
The Minority expressed disappointment at journalist, civil society groups, and whistleblowers for failing to hold government to account.
“Ghanaians deserve better than press releases and photo opportunities. They deserve clean water, safe environments, and honest leadership,” the minority bemoaned.
Member of Parliament for Akuapem North, Sammy Awuku, has expressed deep sorrow following the sudden passing of Isaac Batsa, the constituency secretary for the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC).
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) lawmaker issued a statement on Tuesday reacting to the news, which has shocked the local political community.
Mr.Awuku praised the late NDC secretary for his bipartisan approach to local governance.
He noted that despite their different political affiliations, Batsa consistently rose above party lines to serve the constituency with diligence.
The MP revealed that the news was particularly shocking given that he had last interacted with Batsa just three days prior on Saturday.
Concluding his statement, Sammy Awuku extended his heartfelt condolences to Batsa’s family, the constituency and regional executives, and the entire NDC fraternity, wishing the deceased peaceful eternal rest.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has petitioned the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps to intervene in what it describes as the unlawful arrest and detention of the Bono Regional Chairman of the party, Kwame Baffoe, popularly known as Abronye DC.
Speaking during the presentation of the petition, NPP Member of Parliament, Jerry Ahmed Shaib accused the government led by John Dramani Mahama of promoting what he described as a “culture of silence.”
According to him, the continued detention of Abronye DC over a bailable offence was unacceptable and against the principles of justice.
He argued that keeping an accused person in custody until a matter is fully determined was not common practice in democratic states.
“It can only happen in a kangaroo or banana state,” he stated.
Mr. Shaib further alleged that state institutions were being influenced to intimidate political opponents.
He maintained that the criminal libel law had long been repealed in Ghana and questioned why individuals were allegedly being targeted over comments on national issues.
According to him, citizens should not be arrested simply for expressing views, including claims that power outages, popularly known as “dumsor,” had returned.
The lawmaker also accused the presiding judge in the matter of showing bias and claimed the court had failed to indicate when Abronye DC would reappear or be released.
He explained that the NPP deliberately chose a peaceful approach in presenting the petition to the diplomatic community instead of organising demonstrations.
Mr. Shaib noted that the delegation was acting on the instructions of the party leadership, including the Minority Leader, the General Secretary, the National Organiser, and former Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia.
He called on the diplomatic community and ambassadors in the country to engage the Ghanaian authorities and ensure that justice and human rights were upheld.
By: Jacob Aggrey
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