The Ghana Federation of Labour (GFL) has called for the immediate resignation of Samuel Abu Jinapor, the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, after his controversial remarks on calls for a state of emergency to combat illegal mining, also known as galamsey.
During a press interaction in Accra, Minister Jinapor labeled the demands for President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to declare a state of emergency as “draconian,” warning of the potential widespread consequences such a move could have for the nation.
Kenneth Koomson, Deputy Secretary General of the GFL, voiced strong disapproval of the minister’s stance, suggesting that Jinapor either misunderstands the severity of the situation or is intentionally downplaying it.
In an interview on the Citi Breakfast Show on Citi FM, Koomson criticized the minister’s comments, questioning his capacity to lead efforts against illegal mining.
“The minister seems to be either ill-informed, ill-prepared, or pretending not to grasp the seriousness of the issues we face. Describing the call for the president to invoke Article 31—a state of emergency—as ‘draconian’ is deeply concerning and suggests a disregard for the critical role our water bodies play in sustaining life.
“For him to make such a statement shows a lack of understanding and proves he is unfit for the position. He must resign.
“The devastation of 2.5 million hectares of forest reserves due to galamsey signifies the destruction of the country by a few corrupt individuals.”
