The Member of Parliament for Akyem Oda, Alexander Akwasi Acquah, has launched a strong critique of the National Democratic Congress government, accusing it of failing to deliver on its campaign promise to curb illegal mining, widely known as galamsey.
Speaking in an interview on Accra-based ICAD TV, the former Deputy Health Minister described the government’s anti-galamsey efforts as a “monumental failure” and a “broken promise.”
He argued that assurances given by party leaders during the heated 2024 election campaign have not translated into meaningful action.
Mr. Acquah also took aim at recent developments involving the Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, who publicly apologised to Apostle Eric Nyamekye, Chairman of the Pentecost Church over controversial remarks made by the CEO of the Ghana Free Zones Authority, Mary Awusi.
During his 60th birthday thanksgiving service at PIWC-Trassaco on April 26, 2026, Mr. Debrah expressed regret on behalf of the government and sought reconciliation with the Church of Pentecost following backlash over the remarks directed at Apostle Nyamekye.
The comments were linked to concerns about how galamsey activities are affecting religious practices such as baptisms.
However, Mr. Acquah dismissed the apology as unnecessary and politically motivated.
“I don’t believe Ghanaians accepted Julius Debrah’s apology. The appropriate action would have been to sanction the official involved rather than publicly weeping and apologising on her behalf,” he said.
He further questioned the sincerity of Dr. Awusi’s own apology, suggesting it lacked genuine remorse.
The MP argued that the episode has emboldened religious leaders to speak out more forcefully against illegal mining.
He referenced statements by the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference and Very Rev. Prof. Joseph Obiri Yeboah Mante, immediate past Moderator of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church, who have insisted that no political authority can silence the Church on matters of national concern, particularly environmental degradation caused by galamsey.
According to Mr. Acquah, while churches will continue to discourage their members from engaging in illegal mining, the responsibility ultimately lies with the government to demonstrate political will.
“What is needed now is for President John Dramani Mahama, who has acknowledged that some party members are involved in galamsey, to take decisive action against offenders within his own ranks,” he stressed.
Illegal mining remains a major environmental challenge in Ghana, with widespread destruction of forests and pollution of water bodies.
Despite government claims that the fight against galamsey is over 80 percent successful, opposition figures and environmental advocates continue to describe the situation as a national emergency.
Mr. Acquah also linked the issue to the 2024 Ghana general elections, noting that public outcry from civil society organisations, religious leaders, and labour unions played a significant role in shaping electoral outcomes.
He observed that while some of these groups have since gone quiet, pressure is gradually mounting on the current administration to honour its commitments.
As the debate intensifies, the fight against galamsey remains a critical test of the government’s credibility and resolve.
By 1960news.com
