Political activist and Media Personality, Okatakyie Afrifa Mensah wants the John Dramani Mahama led government to be deliberate in its fight against illegal mining popularly referred to as galamsey.
According to the Broadcast Journalist, also a Leading Member of the Generational Rights Protection Society (GRPS), the government had over the months been engaged in rhetoric, contrary to its campaign promises in the December 7 2024 general elections.
In his view the Mahama administration had failed to declare a state of emergency, a position held by National Democratic Congress (NDC) while in opposition.
Addressing a news conference ahead of the anti galamsey demonstration on Monday April, 28, 2025, the former Angel FM Morning Show host believes Ghanaians and generations yet born deserve better from duty bearers in the fight against the canker.
He claimed that the establishment of the controversial Goldbod was a means to further boost the galamsey menace in the country.
He stated that the John Mahama led government has not introduced any new blueprint towards the fight against the canker.
Kwame Appiah Kubi, the Convener of the Society for his part started that galamsey and its related effects on the citizens has no political colour.
He said the Society’s fight against the canker was not politically motivated or one actuated by propaganda but rather the group was motivated by the duty to preserve the environment for posterity.
He emphasised that galamsey is still predominant in Ghana under the watch of President Mahama.
“We want the entire country to know that there were several promises made during the campaign season but little has been done. We want clear directives as to how the government of the day is fighting galamsey” Mr. Appiah Kubi noted.
He continued: “The Minister has to give the country a very good blueprint as to how we are fighting this canker’
The founder of the now-defunct United Progressive Party (UPP), Mr Akwasi Addai popularly known as Odike, urged Ghanaians to be concerned about the negative effects of illegal mining in the country.
He insists that the only way Ghanaians would indicate their displeasure to the government is to turn out in their numbers for the demonstration.
By Kofi Yirenkyi
