The Special Advisor to independent presidential aspirant Alan Kyerematen has called for a complete change in leadership to address Ghana’s current challenges, including the ongoing issue of illegal small-scale mining, known as “galamsey.”
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, he said, has woefully failed to deliver on his promise to combat the galamsey menace, despite pledging to put his presidency on the line for the cause.
Speaking on TV3’s Key Points program on Saturday, September 7, Nana Ohene Ntow, argued that where Ghana is today with galamsey, corruption, and economic mismanagement, it needs a different kind of leader—one whose background can be thoroughly checked for trustworthiness.
He said, “The president has failed to fight galamsey. He said he would stake his presidency on it, but he didn’t. He is not a man of his word. This is not an insult, and if anyone considers it so, I’m sorry.”
Nana Ntow stressed that the scale of leadership failure in the country is enormous, particularly in addressing galamsey, which continues to threaten vital resources.
His comments coincide with increasing pressure from public sector health unions, who have called for the immediate suspension of all small-scale mining activities.
In a joint statement, several health associations—including the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association, Ghana Medical Association, and others—raised alarm over the severe impact of galamsey on the country’s water bodies.
The unions cited a Ghana Water Company report that revealed significant reductions in water production, with losses exceeding 60% in the Western Region, 30% in the Central Region, and a nationwide loss of 50% of treated water due to pollution and siltation from galamsey.
The health unions are urging the government to act swiftly, demanding an immediate ban on small-scale mining operations. They also called for strengthened enforcement measures, urging the government to provide resources to security agencies to crack down on illegal mining and prosecute offenders promptly.
Furthermore, the unions asked political parties to publicly declare their commitment to fighting illegal mining by signing and publishing documents that outline their stance on the issue.
