'Presidents don't promise and fail on their promises' - CHRAJ boss chides Akufo-Addo over galamsey

The Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) has expressed disappointment with the government's efforts to combat illegal mining, commonly known as 'galamsey.'

In a report by myjoyonline.com, the Commissioner of CHRAJ, Joseph Whittal, speaking during an interview with BBC News' Komla Adom, criticised President Akufo-Addo for his failure to fulfil his promise to address the issue, which has led to the devastation of many parts of the country’s forests and water bodies.

"The Commission feels disappointed in the fight against galamsey and artisanal mining. We are disappointed that no less a person than the President would put his presidency on the line. He promised. Presidents don’t promise and fail on their promises. For what has happened which has dire implications on the health of so many Ghanaians, I must say, the government and the President have disappointed Ghanaians," he stated.

Whittal also joined calls for a state of emergency to be declared over the galamsey menace.

He cited the alarming effects of water pollution and the health risks associated with it, such as increased rates of stillbirths, congenital abnormalities in children, and a rise in kidney-related illnesses.

"I have heard some people call on the President to declare a state of emergency and I actually subscribe to that. Why wait? If you look at the pollution and the effects it is already having… it appears the government seems unconcerned and is ignoring all these worrying trends. I don’t understand," he said.

He added that President Akufo-Addo must act swiftly to address the crisis.

"If you win the people’s vote, you are supposed to work for them. So this is a disappointment from the government and from the President, who has a lot of human rights credentials. He should do something before leaving power,” he stated.

The CHRAJ Commissioner's comments come amid growing public pressure on the government to intensify efforts to curb galamsey, which has devastated much of the country's farms and water bodies.

The conversation on galamsey and its dire impact was reignited after the Ghana Water Limited in the Central Region announced challenges with water supply in Cape Coast, Elmina, and surrounding communities.

The company revealed that the recent demand-supply gap is due to inadequate raw water received at the Sekyere Hemang Water Treatment Plant (WTP), caused by galamsey activities.

Various civil society organisations and concerned citizens have voiced their frustrations over the lack of progress by the government in curbing galamsey activities, which have led to the contamination of rivers, destruction of farmlands, and loss of livelihoods for many Ghanaians.

ID/MA

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