In his last State of the Nation Address (SONA), President Akufo-Addo has shared his thoughts on the abysmal performance of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) at the polls.
According to him, his administration’s tough stance against illegal mining (galamsey) took a significant political toll on the party, resulting in a decline in their fortunes.
This reshaping of Parliament, Mr Akufo-Addo noted, affected the effectiveness of his policies during his second term in office.
Despite the political price paid, he remained resolute in his commitment to protect Ghana’s environment and water bodies, emphasising that the fight against galamsey was essential for the country’s long-term sustainability.
“The fight against galamsey led to the loss of several parliamentary seats by my party in the 2020 elections, which ultimately influenced the composition of the eighth Parliament. This, in turn, affected the implementation of my policy agenda and had a significant impact on my second term as President,” he stated.
“I made a public commitment to take on galamsey,” the president added, acknowledging that this stance wasn’t popular, especially in some political circles.
However, he was prepared to put his presidency on the line to safeguard the country’s natural resources for future generations.
The president also welcomed the growing attention to the galamsey menace as the 2024 elections approached, expressing hope that more Ghanaians would understand the importance of protecting the nation’s lands and water bodies.
“I pray that more people come to embrace the need to protect our environment,” he said, signalling that the fight was not just a political issue but a national cause.
He clarified that his fight was not against legal mining or the extraction of gold, a critical sector for Ghana’s economy.
Rather, it was a call to ensure that mining activities are carried out in a manner that respects the environment and provides sustainable benefits for future generations.
Under his leadership, Ghana has made significant strides in the mining sector, including surpassing South Africa as the leading gold producer in Africa.
Last year, Ghana’s gold production reached an all-time high of 4 million ounces. Additionally, the government’s efforts to revive dormant mines like Obuasi and Bibiani have helped to stimulate economic growth.
One of the most notable achievements was the construction of a 400-kilogramme capacity gold refinery, developed through a public-private partnership, aimed at adding value to the country’s gold exports.
In conclusion, President Akufo-Addo reaffirmed his commitment to tackling illegal mining and ensuring responsible resource management.
He stressed that the protection of Ghana’s environment and resources would continue to be a priority, even in the face of political challenges.
“Our land and water bodies are too valuable to be destroyed,” he said, urging Ghanaians to unite in the fight to safeguard these precious resources for future generations.