Galamsey fight: Akufo-Addo has disappointed Ghanaians – CHRAJ boss

The Commissioner of the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), Joseph Whittal, has expressed deep disappointment in the government’s handling of the fight against illegal mining, commonly known as ‘galamsey.’

Mr Whittal criticized President Akufo-Addo for failing to fulfil his commitment to tackling the problem, which has had severe environmental and health consequences for the country.

“The Commission feels so disappointed in the fight against galamsey and artisanal mining. We are disappointed that no less a person than the President would put his presidency on the line.

“He promised. Presidents don’t promise and fail on their promises. For what has happened which has dire implications on the health of so many Ghanaians, I must say, the government and the President have disappointed Ghanaians,” he said.

In an interview with BBC News’ Komla Adom, Mr Whittal further supported growing calls for a state of emergency to be declared over the galamsey crisis, citing the alarming effects of water pollution and the associated health risks faced by communities in affected areas.

He highlighted issues such as increased rates of stillbirths, congenital abnormalities in children, and a disturbing rise in kidney-related illnesses.

“I have heard some people call on the President to declare a state of emergency, and I actually subscribe to that. Why wait? If you look at the pollution and the effects it is already having… it appears the government seems unconcerned and is ignoring all these worrying trends. I don’t understand,” he said.

The CHRAJ Commissioner’s comments come amidst mounting public pressure on the government to intensify efforts to curb galamsey, which has devastated the country’s water bodies and farmlands.

Mr Whittal emphasized that as the elected leader, President Akufo-Addo has an obligation to act swiftly in addressing the crisis.

“If you win the people’s vote, you are supposed to work for them. So this is a disappointment from the government and from the President, who has a lot of human rights credentials. He should do something before leaving power,” he noted.

Conversations on galamsey and its dire impact arose after the management of the Ghana Water Company Limited in the Central Region announced that there would be challenges with water supply in Cape Coast, Elmina, and surrounding communities.

This followed a JoyNews documentary titled ‘Poisoned Rivers’ which threw more light on the devastation caused to water bodies.

The company revealed that the recent demand-supply gap is due to inadequate raw water received at the Sekyere Hemang Water Treatment Plant (WTP) caused by galamsey activities.

Environmental groups, civil society organizations, and concerned citizens have since voiced their frustrations over the lack of significant progress in curbing galamsey activities, which have resulted in the contamination of rivers, destruction of farmlands, and loss of livelihoods for many Ghanaians.