Randy Abbey clashes with NPP communicator for questioning staging of anti-galamsey protests in Accra

Dr. Randy Abbey, host of Good Morning Ghana, clashed with a member of the New Patriotic Party's communication team over issues surrounding the recent anti-galamsey protests held in Accra by the Democracy Hub.

During the September 24, 2024, episode of Good Morning Ghana, NPP communicator Lawyer Amoakwa Boadu downplayed the impact of the anti-galamsey protests in Accra.

He argued that the protests were unnecessary, as there is no galamsey activity occurring in Accra, suggesting that such demonstrations should take place in regions where galamsey is prevalent.

He explained that targeting those areas would better appeal to the conscience of illegal miners who are destroying water bodies with their activities.

“…even in Greater Accra that you are doing this, the galamsey is not happening here. Take it to some of the regions [where galamsey activities are prevalent,” he said.

Dr. Abbey interrupted him, highlighting the absurdity of such thinking and analyzing the galamsey protests in that light.

Dr. Abbey explained that the regulatory bodies and agencies responsible for issuing mining licenses and enforcing regulations are based in Accra.

“It will be absurd to analyze it from that way because those who take the decision are here in Accra. Have you seen any license for mining or any decision about mining taken in the region? The whole thing is done here [Accra].”

Read an excerpt of the conversation below;

Lawyer Amoakwa Boadu: …one thing I know is that the Minerals commission is cited in the places where they are mining isn’t it?

Dr Randy Abbey: I’m talking about decision-making

Lawyer Amoakwa Boadu: Yeah, but that’s offering the license

Dr Randy Abbey: The decision-making is here. I mean you teach, and the licenses are signed by the minister, it's not signed by anybody in a region or a district

Lawyer Amoakwa Boadu: No, no but they apply for through the regions and regional officers.

Dr Randy Abbey: I’m saying that this is where the decisions are made. Wasn’t the inter-ministerial task force set up in Accra? The engagement of the task force by the ministry was it not in Accra. The cabinet meetings to discuss is it not in Accra?

Lawyer Amoakwa Boadu: Yes, but where they go to do whatever, they have been mandated to do is it not in the regions?

Dr Randy Abbey: So, what will the demonstration do there?

Lawyer Amoakwa Boadu: The same effect. You are appealing to the conscience of the people who are also engaging in it so it's not just one part.

MAG/EK