According to Adom Online, Kate Gyamfua, the National Women’s Organizer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has expressed frustration with the lack of support for President Nana Akufo-Addo’s efforts to combat illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey, in Ghana. During an interview on Adom FM’s morning show, Dwaso Nsem, on Friday, she questioned the timing of public criticism regarding the government’s approach to the issue, urging Ghanaians to hold off on complaints until after the upcoming elections.
“When Akufo-Addo was busy addressing this issue by burning excavators at illegal mining sites, they didn’t join the campaign. Why are they making noise about it now? They should wait until after the elections. If we had supported Akufo-Addo, we would have been addressing this issue now. Let’s wait until after the 2024 elections to deal with the illegal mining problem, but not now,” she said, emphasizing the need for unity in tackling the galamsey crisis.
Gyamfua acknowledged that the President has taken significant steps in addressing the illegal mining menace, including the controversial decision to burn excavators seized from illegal miners. Despite the backlash surrounding these actions, she defended the government’s commitment to curbing illegal mining activities that have been detrimental to the environment and local communities.
She further criticized individuals who are currently blaming the government for the ongoing galamsey crisis. Gyamfua pointed out that former President John Mahama has made promises that contradict the fight against illegal mining. “The people who are currently demonstrating, where were they when President Akufo-Addo was dealing with this issue? Why are they blaming the current government for the illegal mining problem, forgetting that former President Mahama said he would release illegal miners from prison if he became President?” she quizzed.
Gyamfua’s comments highlight the NPP’s strategy to shift the narrative around illegal mining and galvanize support for the government’s initiatives. By calling for patience and collective action, she aims to reinforce party unity and demonstrate the NPP’s dedication to addressing galamsey in a structured manner post-elections.
