The recent devastating floods that claimed more than 34 lives have remained a consistent and severe challenge requiring drastic, immediate action, Second Deputy Minority Whip Jerry Ahmed Shaib has declared.
The Member of Parliament for Weija-Gbawe stressed that the disaster is not a partisan issue but a pressing national crisis demanding robust intervention from the ruling government.
He pointed out that building along waterways and the indiscriminate disposal of waste are major contributing factors, warning that the nation will forever remain trapped in this cycle if the government refuses to take decisive action.
He recalled how, while in opposition, the current President and his party loyalists routinely accused the previous administration of failing to deal with the perennial challenge.
The lawmaker further alleged that illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, is one of the primary drivers behind the recent escalation in flooding.
He asserted that the establishment of the Ghana Gold Body has inadvertently fueled illegal mining activities, which have systematically destroyed Ghana’s green cover.
Expressing his frustration during a live broadcast, the MP criticised the administration’s handling of both the environmental crisis and the subsequent tragedy.
“President John Dramani Mahama while in opposition and his assigns including Sammy Gyamfi who is now the Chief Executive Officer of Gold Body went around accusing former President Akufo-Addo and his Vice President of failing to act. But today, Gold Body is purchasing all the galamsey gold because it is only Gold Body that is purchasing all our gold. So if the galamseyers mine the gold, where would they sell it? Galamsey is one of the major causes of the flood that we see now because all the green areas are being pulled down and so where the water should pass through and the trees that hold the floods are destroyed. What we see today are gullies and manholes and whatever holes you want to call. And this was someone who was blaming Akufo-Addo and Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia as the reasons for floods in Ghana. The hypocrisy and mediocrity is too much. While this was happening and more than 34 people were dead, we saw the President and his people held thanksgiving service thanking whoever they wanted to thank.”
Speaking to host Sir Richie on the current affairs programme As It Is Ghana on Rainbow Radio 87.5FM Ghana and 92.4FM UK, Jerry Ahmed Shaib warned that galamsey has reached unprecedented levels.
He noted with concern that illegal miners are now operating near hospitals and within vital ecological zones, severely threatening public health and safety.
He added that the massive heaps of uncollected garbage across the capital and the wider country remain a major, unaddressed challenge.
During the interview, conducted on 4 July 2026, the Weija-Gbawe MP stressed the urgent need for the government to prioritise public safety and abandon mediocre approaches to disaster management.
He questioned the effectiveness of the Anti-Flood Team, led by Deputy Chief of Staff Stan Dogbe, and demanded transparency regarding whether the victims of the recent floods would actually benefit from the GH₵350 million mobilised to address the situation.
The legislator also expressed deep concern over the government’s failure to engage key stakeholders, including MPs whose constituents were directly hit by the deluges.
He argued that the administration’s first step should have been to gather accurate data and consult genuine victims before distributing relief items.
Meanwhile, Jerry Ahmed Shaib expressed his gratitude to Interior Minister Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak for supporting his efforts to provide relief to his displaced constituents.
The MP explained that he personally took the initiative to seek assistance from the Minister, a move that was facilitated by Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga.
Through this collaboration, he was able to secure and deliver essential items, including mattresses, rice, oil, and mosquito nets, to the affected victims in his constituency.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
