President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has sparked criticism for choosing to address the pressing issue of illegal mining, known as galamsey, through an interview with France 24 TV rather than directly engaging with Ghanaians or the local media. Many believe this approach sidelines the concerns of citizens and stakeholders who have been vocal in demanding action on galamsey through numerous protests and industrial actions.
Despite the intense public outcry and protests, including the recent #StopGalamsey demonstrations from October 3 to 5, 2024, Akufo-Addo opted to discuss the matter on an international platform. In the interview, the President maintained that the arrests of some protesters were due to misconduct and not an effort to suppress their voices, stressing that the judiciary and police are independent entities operating without executive influence.
“I am not responsible for jailing people in Ghana. The courts are independent institutions, and they handle cases based on the behavior of individuals. I have no problem with protests. In fact, my political career was shaped by leading protests,” Akufo-Addo stated during the interview.
The choice to address these concerns on a foreign network, rather than speaking through local channels, has left many Ghanaians feeling unheard, especially as galamsey continues to devastate the nation’s environment. Numerous groups—including religious leaders, political figures, and organized labor—have urged the government to take decisive action. Organised Labour has even threatened a strike set for October 10, 2024, if the government fails to adequately respond to demands regarding illegal mining.
Critics argue that the president’s reliance on international media to speak about galamsey, instead of directly addressing Ghanaians or engaging local journalists, reflects a disconnect from the citizens’ growing frustration over the environmental and social impacts of illegal mining.
