Franklin Cudjoe Questions Government’s Commitment to Tackling Illegal Mining Crisis
Franklin Cudjoe, Founder and President of IMANI, has sharply criticised the Ghanaian government’s response to illegal mining (galamsey), describing recent actions as ineffective and symbolic. In a social media post addressing the anti-galamsey demonstrations, Cudjoe argued that decisive action has long been overdue, adding that numerous warnings about the environmental and economic devastation caused by galamsey have gone unheeded.
He condemned the government’s formation of what he termed “the weakest committee ever,” asserting that the president had opted for more “wasting hours of lamentation” rather than implementing punitive measures recommended in previous investigations.
Mr Cudjoe referenced a report by former Environment Minister Dr. Frimpong Boateng, which allegedly named politically exposed figures and government-backed galamsey kingpins. That report, Cudjoe claimed, has been discarded, and the minister’s reputation undermined by political operatives.
Cudjoe also pointed to the refusal of key stakeholders to engage with the newly formed committee, perceiving it as a superficial attempt to address the issue. He questioned the president’s commitment, referencing the earlier pledge to put his presidency on the line to fight galamsey.
Furthermore, Mr Cudjoe criticised Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia and his running mate for their silence on the crisis, suggesting a lack of bold proposals to address what he sees as the country’s second most severe challenge, after the economic downturn. “What a mess,” Mr Cudjoe concluded.
