Professor of Finance and Economics at the University of Ghana, Godfred A. Bokpin, has criticised President John Dramani Mahama for failing to take decisive action against illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, during his first six months in office.
Speaking on JoyNews’s Newsfile on Saturday, June 21, Prof. Bokpin argued that the President had enough time to show strong leadership on the issue but did not act with the urgency it required.
He pointed out that President Mahama has shown the ability to act decisively in other sectors of the economy, yet failed to apply that same resolve to the illegal mining crisis.
“Six months is too short, but you know what? Six months has also been long enough for the President to demonstrate,” he said. “Do we need like three years to declare a state of emergency? How many years do we need to repeal the L.I., which they all agreed in opposition that they ought to go with?”
Illegal mining continues to destroy Ghana’s environment, affecting forest reserves, polluting water bodies, and damaging the country’s international reputation as a responsible gold exporter.
Prof. Bokpin warned that Ghana could face international sanctions, including a potential boycott of its gold exports on ethical grounds, if the government does not act urgently.
He called on the Mahama-led administration to show greater commitment in ending galamsey and to restore public confidence in the nation’s ability to protect its natural resources.
