Atta Kyea defends Akufo-Addo on failed galamsey fight

The Member of Parliament for Abuakwa South and Chairman of the Energy Committee, Samuel Atta Kyea, has come to the defense of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo amidst widespread criticism of the government's perceived failure to tackle illegal mining, locally known as "galamsey."

Mr. Atta Kyea argued that the President cannot be solely blamed for the ongoing illegal mining crisis that has devastated several water bodies across the country.

His comments come in the wake of public outrage following a statement from Ghana Water Limited (GWL), which highlighted the challenges in treating water, particularly in the Central Region, due to pollution from galamsey activities.

The GWL statement, issued by the Central Regional Office on Friday, August 30, attributed the widening demand-supply gap to inadequate raw water received at the Sekyere Hemang Water Treatment Plant, caused by pollution from illegal mining.

It noted that the contamination of the Pra River, especially in its catchment area, has drastically reduced water intake to the barest minimum.

The release has sparked reactions from environmentalists and civil society organizations (CSOs), who have questioned the government's political will, particularly that of President Akufo-Addo, to tackle the menace, despite his earlier pledge to put his presidency on the line to combat illegal mining.

In response to these criticisms, Mr. Atta Kyea, a former Works and Housing Minister, contended that the President’s efforts to fight illegal mining were undermined by local actors, including some chiefs, residents, and even military personnel, who allegedly have personal interests in the illicit activity.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with Kwame Dwomoh Agyemang on Class 91.3 FM, Mr. Atta Kyea stated, “It is not wholly true that the President has all the power; the power he has requires cooperation to be effective.

"For example, if there is a chief who supports galamsey, the President cannot just go and arrest these individuals.”