Frank Annoh-Dompreh, the Majority Chief Whip and Member of Parliament for Nsawam-Adoagyir, has claimed that the previous National Democratic Congress (NDC) government was responsible for more water pollution than the current New Patriotic Party (NPP) administration due to illegal mining activities, commonly known as galamsey.
His remarks come amid ongoing debates about the devastating impact of galamsey on the country’s water bodies. The issue has sparked intense exchanges between members of the ruling NPP and the opposition NDC.
During an emergency parliamentary session in Accra on Tuesday, September 3, 2024, Annoh-Dompreh responded to criticisms from the Minority about the government’s failure to effectively combat illegal mining.
He asserted that a thorough investigation would show that the NDC’s tenure caused greater water pollution.
“I was pleased when the Minority Leader challenged us to debate this issue, with the facts laid bare. If we thoroughly investigate both sides, it will be clear that the NDC polluted our water more than us. So, let’s get the facts straight,” Annoh-Dompreh stated.
His comments were met with strong opposition from NDC members, who accused the NPP of not doing enough to address the galamsey crisis.
Minority Leader Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson argued that despite deploying security personnel, illegal mining continues unabated under the current administration.
“If the President has failed to curb illegal mining, he should admit it. And if the Defence Minister has failed to tackle galamsey, he should acknowledge that as well. This is a serious issue—our livelihoods are at risk,” Dr. Forson retorted.
The debate has intensified following the tragic deaths of two-and-a-half-year-old twins who fell into an abandoned galamsey pit filled with water in Morkwaa, a farming community near Twifo Praso in the Twifo Atti-Morkwa District of the Central Region. This marks the eighth fatality caused by uncovered galamsey pits in the district this year, according to local residents.
Environmental groups, civil society organizations, and concerned citizens have expressed frustration over the lack of significant progress in combating galamsey activities, which have led to the contamination of rivers, destruction of farmlands, and loss of livelihoods for many Ghanaians.
While the NPP has emphasized its commitment to addressing illegal mining, the NDC is calling for more transparent and accountable measures to tackle the problem effectively.
Source:expressnewsghana.com