Galamsey Comment: You're better than that - Opanyin Agyekum, Sefa Kayi slam Annoh Dompreh

Prof Kofi Agyekum, the Head of the Department of Linguistics at the University of Ghana and ace broadcaster, Kwami Safa Kayi have criticised Majority Chief Whip, Frank Annoh Dompreh for his galamsey comment.

The Member of Parliament for Nsawam/Adoagyire speaking at the majority -triggered recall of Parliament on Wednesday, fired back at claims that the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) has been complicit in the fight against illegal mining, noting that the opposition did worse when they were in power.

His utterances came during a debate in parliament on the prevailing galamsey activities that have immensely affected the country’s forest and  water bodies.

Mr. Dompreh insisted that between the two major political parties, the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) had done more to destroy water bodies.

“I was very happy when the Minority Leader challenged us that we will debate this matter and the culprit will be mentioned. In fact, we are ready to debate now. If we are to look and investigate both sides of the House.

“You have had the opportunity to rule this country before. I can tell you – You polluted the water more than us. You polluted the water more than us,” the MP for Nsawam-Adoagyiri emphasized.

This came on the back of an announcement by the Ghana  Water Company Limited (GWCL) that the water supply to Cape Coast, Elmina, and surrounding areas was being affected as a result of pollution of the River Pra.

But commenting on the Majority Chief Whip's comment during a panel discussion on Peace FM monitored by GhanaWeb, Opanyin Agyekum, a linguistics expert, condemned the legislator for his unguarded comment.

"Why must a discussion in Parliament on galamsey be turned into a league. What would he have lost if he had not made this statement. He is the Majority Whip for Christ's sake. If this statement was mistakenly made by a backbencher in Parliament, the person would have been forgiven. But for it to come from a leader in Parliament is condemnable. No, we don't make such terrible statements when we want to fight a menace worrying us as a people," Opnayin Agyekum stated.

Similarly, celebrated broadcaster who was hosting the show expressed his disapproval of FranK Annoh Dompreh's comment.

"I am told my brother Annoh-Dompreh has said that the NDC has done more to destroy water bodies than the NPP. Oh, how can my brother Annoh Dompreh say this.? It would have been better if he kept mute over this issue than to make such shameful statement. He is my brother, and so I can tell him in the face that he did not speak well. He claimed the NDC polluted water bodies than the NPP, as if pollution is nothing to worry ourselves about. He shouldn't be talking like this," Sefa Kayi said.

KA

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