President of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), Albert Kwabena Dwumfuor, has expressed dissatisfaction with President John Dramani Mahama’s recent comments on the government’s handling of illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.
Speaking on Adom FM earlier today, Mr. Dwumfuor reacted to the President’s remarks during his September 10 media engagement, where President Mahama emphasized that government would exhaust all alternative measures in addressing the menace before considering the declaration of a state of emergency.
Mr. Dwumfuor, however, argued that this stance fell short of expectations, warning “If we don’t approach galamsey timely and critically, the menace will swallow us.”
While commending the President for engaging the media despite recent national challenges, the GJA President criticized the current administration’s approach to tackling illegal mining. According to him, the stance taken by government contradicts the promises it made while in opposition.
He further explained, “Although politics is about convincing voters, politicians should know that the Ghanaian voter population has become more discerning and aware of governance and tend to hold leaders accountable.”
Drawing comparisons, Mr. Dwumfuor questioned why government has not demonstrated the same level of commitment to tackling illegal mining as it did in stabilizing the cedi.
“They promised to stabilize the cedi to dollar rate, they achieved that and everyone applauded them. So why are they not fighting galamsey with the same commitment? It’s because their own people are involved,” he alleged.
Read Also: President Mahama Rules Out State of Emergency in Galamsey Fight
Source: Benjamin Ekow Hutchful/ATLFMNEWS
