…Exposes Akuffo Addo’s Incompetence.
A renowned economist and senior member of the New Patriotic Party, Mr. Kwame Pianim, has stated that former President Nana Addo Danquah Akufo-Addo’s and the New Patriotic Party (NPP) communicators have no moral right to criticise or mount pressure on the ruling government to fight the galamsey menace.
According to him, in eight years Akufo-Addo and his NPP party failed to properly deal with the problem so in just six months you want somebody to fight it, ‘this is not fair,’ he stated.
Mr. Pianim plainly stated, ‘Akufo-Addo was in power for 8 years and what did we do?” His words cut sharply into the conversation that has often placed blame on former President John Mahama for the country’s mining troubles.’
Pianim made it clear that the current political blame game was not fair, because those who are now pointing accusing fingers have also had the chance to act but failed to deal with the problem.
His question, “Akufo-Addo was in power for 8 years and what did we do?” was not just a comment but a reminder that leadership is judged by actions, not excuses.
To him, the continuous destruction of water bodies, lands, and forests is not only a shame but a failure by those who promised to stop it.
Illegal mining has for years destroyed rivers and lands, leaving communities without clean water.
Governments have repeatedly promised to end galamsey, yet the situation on the ground tells a different story. The activity persists, sometimes worsening, as political leaders argue over who is responsible. Pianim’s remarks echo the frustration of many Ghanaians who see little change despite countless promises.
The economist cautioned that shifting blame to one side of the political spectrum does not resolve anything. He posed the question, “Akufo-Addo was in power for 8 years and what did we achieve?”
Pianim urged for honesty and self-examination within his party and beyond. He reminded politicians that galamsey is not just a partisan issue but a national crisis, and unless everyone is ready to acknowledge failure and take difficult actions, the fight will remain futile.
Many who heard Pianim believe his message is significant because he is not merely another politician seeking votes. He is someone who has witnessed how Ghana’s politics has failed to tackle urgent issues over the years.
His critique of his own party also demonstrates his readiness to speak the truth, regardless of how uncomfortable it may be. For ordinary Ghanaians weary of political promises, his bold statement serves as a wake-up call.
The current challenge is whether leaders will heed his words and take action, or if they will continue to exchange accusations while illegal miners ravage the country’s resources. The rivers continue to dry up, the forests keep disappearing, and young people risk their lives in perilous pits while the government stands by.
Pianim’s question remains unanswered: “Akufo-Addo was in power for 8 years and what did we accomplish?” Until those in power can provide real results instead of excuses, the anger and disappointment among Ghanaians will only intensify.
His words indicate that the time for blame has passed; what the country needs now is genuine action to protect its land, water, and future.
By Philip Antoh