Leader of the Union Government and Businessman, Akwasi Addai Odike, has challenged President John Dramani Mahama to be bold enough to declare a state of emergency on illegal mining, known as galamsey, to effectively stop the practice.
In a renewed commitment to the campaign against the menace, Odike believes the President should heed the calls to implement the decision swiftly.
Mr. Odike argued that ignorance is at the heart of those involved in galamsey; however, those financing the activity are also exploiting the situation to enrich themselves.
Explaining the necessity of a state of emergency, the businessman said illegal mining does not only threatens the environment but also has the potential to breed violence in the country.
“It is better to use our lands for agriculture than for mining,” he stated, reiterating his calls.
He criticized the multi-party democratic system as one of the key reasons the country has failed to fight galamsey.
According to Odike, the governance system fosters favoritism toward the ruling party, leading to a flawed meritocratic structure.
Against this backdrop, he claimed that both the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) have contributed significantly to the country’s destruction.
“When all power is concentrated in the executive, successive leaders simply follow the same path,” he noted.
He suggested that “Instead, a bottom-up approach is needed, giving local Assembly Members power to act rather than being controlled.”
Contributor: Ernest Kelvin Okanta
