Gov’t results in galamsey fight remain unsatisfactory despite significant efforts – Nana Akomea

Nana Akomea, the Managing Director of the State Transport Corporation (STC), has observed that the NPP government has not achieved satisfactory results in the fight against illegal mining, known locally as ‘galamsey’.

This, he said, is because of the significant efforts and commitments the government has made to largely minimise the menace.

President Akufo-Addo, upon assumption of office, has launched Operation Vanguard and Operation Halt, amongst other policy interventions to tackle galamsey in the country.

Additionally, the President pledged in 2017 to put his presidency on the line in the fight against the canker, which has destroyed several water bodies and forests.

“I have said it in the Cabinet, and perhaps this is the first time I am making this public, that I am prepared to put my Presidency on the line on this matter,” the President said at a workshop on galamsey for traditional leaders.

However, almost eight years down the line, the fight against galamsey appears to be far from won.

Mr Akomea in an interview with Accra-based Joy FM on Thursday, emphasised the persistent challenges in combating illegal mining.

“Every President has made efforts to stop illegal mining in the country, but despite their commitment and efforts, the results remain unsatisfactory,” he said.

Relatedly, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) parliamentary candidate (PC) for the Amenfi East constituency in the Western region has come under heavy criticism for allegedly inciting small-scale miners to attack military officers who prevent them from mining.

In a viral video on the internet, Ernest Frimpong was heard urging miners to attack police officers and soldiers who extort money from them in the presence of the Regional Minister.

However, Mr Frimpong has refuted the allegations that he and Regional Minister Kwabena Okyere Darko-Mensah have endorsed illegal mining and encouraged miners to resist military personnel.

In a statement he issued on Saturday, June 8, the NPP PC stated that he also encouraged the miners to report any instances of extortion and harassment by unauthorised individuals posing as law enforcement officers.

Mr Frimpong was arrested by the police on Wednesday and has since been granted bail.