Washington Post columnist lays into Akufo-Addo for accepting award amid arrests of anti-galamsey protesters

The public outrage over the Ghana Police Service's crackdown on protesters, who were voicing concerns about the devastating damage caused by galamsey activities to forest reserves and water bodies, has crossed national borders.

American-Ghanaian writer and journalist for The Washington Post, Karen Attiah, has criticised President Nana Dankwa Addo Akufo-Addo for his perceived neglect and indifference toward the pressing issues and challenges facing the country, particularly concerning galamsey.

In response to a post shared by TV3 on X (formerly Twitter) highlighting the alarming 2,800% increase in mining licenses issued under President Akufo-Addo's administration compared to just 57 licenses since 1995, Karen Attiah criticised him for going about his business in New York while remaining seemingly unconcerned about the environmental crisis and the arrest of protesters advocating against illegal mining.

During his recent visit to New York, President Akufo-Addo received the 2024 Atlantic Council Global Citizen Award, which honors his exceptional contributions to global peace, democracy, and human development.

However, the award received by President Akufo-Addo has generated mixed reactions in light of recent events.

Karen believes that the president has neglected pressing issues and is instead focusing his attention on accolades.

"While President Nana Akufo-Addo is gallivanting around New York accepting awards, Ghana’s environment is being absolutely plundered.

"And cracking down on Ghanaian protesters demanding clean water to drink, but can’t have because illegal gold miners are poisoning the water supply," she posted on her official account on September 27, 2024.

The public outcry against illegal mining activities has gained momentum recently, with numerous Ghanaians protesting and raising awareness about the dangers associated with these practices.

Additionally, various unions and organisations have been pressuring the government to impose a ban on all mining activities in the country.

A group of protesters were also arrested by the police during a demonstration against illegal mining.

While president Nana Akufo Addo is gallivanting around New York accepting awards, Ghana’s environment is being absolutely plundered.

And cracking down on Ghanaian protesters demanding clean water to drink, but can’t have because illegal gold miners are poisoning water supply. https://t.co/FTQXtq30Fu

— Karen Attiah (@KarenAttiah) September 27, 2024