Government's fight against galamsey is unsatisfactory - Nana Akomea

The Managing Director of the State Transport Corporation (STC) has opined that the government of the New Patriotic Party has not been able to achieve a satisfactory victory in the fight against the menace of illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.

According to him, although the government has made significant efforts in fighting the scourge that has destroyed many water bodies and farms, it has not been able to achieve the desired outcome.

The fight against galamsey has been one of the topmost challenges President Akufo-Addo sought to address, leading to the President putting his presidency on the line upon assumption of office.

Evident in his quest to fight galamsey was the launch of Operation Vanguard and Operation Halt, among other policy interventions.

"I have said it in the Cabinet, and perhaps this is the first time I am making this public, that I am prepared to put my presidency on the line on this matter," the President said at a workshop on galamsey for traditional leaders.

This dream has yet to be realized after almost eight years of assuming office as President.

However, in an interview on Accra-based Joy FM, the former Member of Parliament for Okaikwei South emphasized the persistent challenges in combating illegal mining.

"Every President has made efforts to stop illegal mining in the country, but despite their commitment and efforts, the results remain unsatisfactory," he said.

His comments come in the wake of a recent statement made by the Parliamentary candidate for Amenfi East, Ernest Frimpong, who was captured in a video telling illegal miners to deal with any military officer who tries to interfere with their illegal activities.

Relatedly, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) parliamentary candidate for the Amenfi East constituency in the Western region has come under heavy criticism for allegedly inciting small-scale miners to attack military officers who prevent them from mining.

Mr. Frimpong, who has explained that the actual intentions of his comments have been misconstrued, has been granted bail after the police arrested him.

Nana Akomea posited that the fight against illegal mining is a daunting task that demands collective efforts from all and sundry.