Former Ablekuma Central MP, Ebenezer Nartey, has expressed doubt over the government’s seriousness and the role of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in the fight against illegal mining, aka galamsey.
Speaking on Prime Morning News Flash, the former legislator criticised President Mahama’s decision to engage CSOs in drafting a roadmap to curb illegal mining.
He questioned their sincerity, saying some appear to prioritise personal gain over the nation’s interest.
“I see the CSO people as people who follow their stomach,” he said.
Mr Nartey argued that from the presidency to the ordinary citizen, there is little readiness to tackle the menace.
He noted that despite the destruction of water bodies and farmlands, political leaders continue to pay lip service to the issue without taking decisive action.
The former MP also took a swipe at the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) president, accusing him of inconsistency.
He recalled that while the GJA president was vocal about galamsey under the NPP administration, but said he has now turned to praise the current government instead of maintaining the same critical stance.
Mr Nartey lamented that many individuals and organisations that once championed the fight against galamsey have gone silent.
The former MP described this sudden quietness as disappointing and a sign that many are driven by political or personal motives rather than a genuine desire to protect the environment.
He further questioned the President’s recent comment that a state of emergency would only be declared based on advice from security agencies.
According to him, such an approach reflects a lack of urgency and seriousness.
“If the president says he’ll call for a state of emergency only when there’s progress, then what progress is he talking about?” Mr Nartey asked.
