Fight against galamsey failed because of complicity from presidency – Dr. Apaak alleges

Dr. Clement Apaak, Member of Parliament for Builsa South, has said that government officials who are supposed to stop illegal mining also known as galamsey are instead profiting from the menace.

In an interview on the Class Morning show, Dr. Apaak expressed his dismay at the situation, saying “We have seen the videos of parties in the system. The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources sought to act, the Miners Commission sought to act, but it’s all a façade.”

He referenced the Frimpong Boateng report, which “made it very clear that the reason why the fight against galamsey has failed is because of complicity from the presidency.”

Dr. Apaak questioned the logic behind government officials blaming the opposition NDC for polluting water bodies, saying “Is that even a statement that should come out of a lawmaker? Does it even make sense?”

Dr. Apaak emphasized that politicians and party people are profiting from the illegal mining activities, which have brought in foreign nationals from countries like China, Burkina Faso, Nigeria, and Mali. He described the affected areas as “no man’s land” where illegal miners operate with impunity.

“The only way to bring a serious channeling and an end to this is to reset Ghana,” Dr. Apaak stressed, echoing the sentiments of former President John Mahama. “We cannot expect the same people who have profited from this menace to do anything about it.”