Member of Parliament for Akim Abuakwa and former Minister of Works and Housing, Samuel Atta Akyea, says that President Akufo-Addo has not failed in the fight against galamsey.

According to him, the fight against galamsey requires a concerted effort from all Ghanaians and not just the government.

“What if President Akufo-Addo came out with a policy that shoot to kill (illegal miners at galamsey sites), the whole nation will say this guy is doing extrajudicial killings,” Mr Atta Akyea said on JoyNews’ PM Express.

He noted that some chiefs who have a responsibility to protect their communities, are allowing illegal mining activities.

Mr Atta Akyea said illegal mining is putting Ghana's water supply at risk and could lead to a situation where the country must import water.

“If everyone said money is good but not at the expense of our river bodies and environment; the chiefs also won’t take monies under the table and later speak as if they hate what is going on, but they are in cahoots with those who are doing the galamsey; some soldiers will also not be wayward and some caterpillars that were seized will not be released, probably we have won together.”

 Mr Atta Akyea maintained that the president is not the only one responsible for combating illegal mining.

He emphasised the need for all stakeholders, including traditional leaders, law enforcement, and politicians, to work together to address the problem of illegal mining.

 “Let’s look at the whole thing in a global manner, in a very comprehensive manner and you will come to realize that he had good intentions but the frustrations are many and couldn’t control all the variables.”