Member of Parliament for Assin South, John Ntim Fordjour, has made claims that President John Dramani Mahama is prioritising gold over the lives of Ghanaians and the protection of the environment.
In a post on social media, the former deputy Education Minister described the poor state of the River Ankobra and other water bodies in Ghana.
“This is River Ankobra under President Mahama. Many other rivers including water treated by Ghana Water Company are in similar terrible state. Yet, President Mahama rather insensitively endorsed illegal gold mining during his press briefing,” Ntim Fordjour wrote.
He pointed to President Mahama’s statement and quoted “gold, whether from illegal or legal sources, at least since it is our environment that is being destroyed, we must enjoy the benefits rather than foreigners enjoying it.”
The MP added the President’s posture shows a lack of urgency in tackling galamsey, despite having promised to declare a state of emergency on the menace while in opposition.
“What shall it profit President Mahama and NDC to choose gold over precious lives and the environment,” he questioned.
Many people have been urging tougher government action on illegal mining, including a possible state of emergency, as rivers and farmlands continue to be destroyed.
