Founder and leader of Patriot Ghana—a group affiliated with the NPP—Kwesi Korang, has stated without mincing words that President Akufo-Addo is aware of every single individual involved in illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, under his administration.
Speaking in an interview on Frontline on Rainbow Radio 87.5FM, Mr. Korang said he can beat his chest in saying that the President knows about the faces behind the canker that has destroyed our water bodies and some forest reserves.
He told host Kwabena Agyapong that ‘’President Akufo-Addo knows all those who are behind the galamsey activities in Ghana. I am repeating that President Akufo-Addo is aware of those behind the illegal activities. If he is not aware of them, he can get to know them if he makes the attempt”.
Mr. Korang asserted that the true kingpins of the galamsey are not the labourers who are usually arrested but the sponsors who are top gurus.
He indicated that ‘’I am not talking about these people. I am talking about officials of state, police officers, security officers, and top officials. So if President Akufo-Addo is serious and remains committed about fighting galamsey, then he should be bold and end it once and for all. Until President Akufo-Addo will gather the courage and say enough is enough, we will not be able to deal with galamsey. Until the day the President will have the political will to deal with galamsey, then we should forget about fighting galamsey.’’
He wondered why the Asantehene, who is an overlord of the Asante kingdom, could gather the courage and deal with galamsey, and yet the President with constitutional and national powers has refused to show leadership.
He also opined that the ongoing crisis paints a picture of a president who has endorsed the ongoing activities threatening national life.
He challenged journalists to continue with the renewed agenda in ensuring that it is dealt with ruthlessly; if not, we will be forced to import water from abroad.
He also described how Professor Frimpong Boateng, the former Minister, was falsely accused by Akufo-Addo’s family members of partaking in galamsey because he was fighting against it.
He also shot down calls for the removal of the Lands Minister, saying ‘’anyone who would make that call does know what he or she is talking about.” The Minister and his deputy will do all they can in dealing with galamsey, but if President Akufo-Addo refuses to show any political will, we will not deal with the problem. I will place this challenge at the doorstep of the President. When the Asantehene pledged to deal with galamsey, he has so far removed about three sub-chiefs, and so if the President wants to deal with galamsey, including punishing his DCEs, ministers, and all other appointees involved, he will be able to do it. What has he done about his appointees doing galamsey? If we are too nationalistic and push politics aside, then President Akufo-Addo must resign from his seat for failing to deal with galamsey after putting his presidency on the line’’.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
