Hon. John Darko, Member of Parliament for Suame, has criticised President John Dramani Mahama’s 2026 State of the Nation Address, stating that it failed to address pressing national issues, particularly the fight against galamsey (illegal mining).
He emphasised that galamsey is ravaging Ghana’s forests and water bodies, with the use of cyanide posing a significant environmental threat.
“While NPP and NDC are fighting, the illegal miners are the ones looting the gold and destroying the water,” Darko said, urging the government to show genuine commitment to fighting the menace by being fair and firm, regardless of political affiliations.
He accused the President of prioritising gold exports over environmental protection, citing the increase in recorded exports from 6.3 tonnes to 103 tonnes.
Hon Darko also questioned the government’s commitment to combating galamsey, pointing out that local assemblies are collecting taxes from illegal mining operators.
Darko urged the president to take concrete steps to secure Ghana’s borders, as many galamsey operators are foreigners. He emphasised that the country’s future is at stake, with unemployment and environmental degradation worsening.
Hon. John Darko, Member of Parliament for Suame, has slammed the government’s handling of Ghana’s economy, citing the low minimum wage of 21.77 cedis per day, the lowest in the sub-region.
Hon. John Darko emphasised that cocoa farmers are being forced to sell their lands to illegal mining operators due to lack of support from the government.
“Our cocoa farmers are now selling their lands to illegal mining operators… because the President is not paying them,” Darko stated, highlighting the struggles of the agricultural sector.
He also lamented the high unemployment rate, saying, “People are looking for jobs; they are not getting them”.
On the 24-hour economy initiative, he referenced the president’s campaign promise of providing one job per person, with flexible hours, questioning the government’s commitment to job creation.
He urged the government to address these pressing issues and prioritise the welfare of Ghanaians.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
