President John Dramani Mahama is set to face the media wednesday, Wednesday, September 10, in his maiden engagement since beginning his second term in office.
The highly anticipated encounter, which will be held at the Presidency at 8am, is expected to cover a wide range of pressing national issues, including tribal conflicts, the performance of the Cedi, the recent removal of the Chief Justice, and the ongoing fight against illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.
A statement from the Ministry of Government Communications, signed by Minister Felix Kwakye Ofosu, confirmed the engagement, stating it will provide a unique platform for the President to engage Ghanaians through the media on his “Resetting Ghana Agenda,”
policies, and ongoing projects.
The session will also allow journalists to pose direct questions to the President on a variety of subjects affecting the nation, with participation strictly by accreditation.
While the official statement did not detail the specific topics to be discussed, expectations are high that some of the most contentious issues facing the nation will be addressed.
TRIBAL UNRESTS AND CONFLICTS
One of the most pressing topics expected to feature prominently is the recent surge in tribal conflicts across the country.
The nation has seen a rise in unrest, particularly in the Nkwanta area of the Oti Region, the long-standing conflict between the Mamprusis and Kusases in Bawku and its environs in the North East Region, and a new wave of violence in the Savannah Region.
Recent reports indicate that at least 31 people have been killed and thousands displaced in clashes between ethnic groups in the north-western parts of the country.
Inter-ethnic violence in the North-East Region has displaced an estimated 50,000 people, with 13,253 having crossed the border into the Boukani region of Côte d’Ivoire.
The Minister for the Interior, Mubarak Mohammed Muntaka, confirmed these figures, stating they have been verified by both Ghanaian and Ivorian authorities.
The violence in the Savannah Region reportedly stems from clashes over land at Gbiniyiri, leading to the burning of a chief’s palace and a rapid spread of the conflict.
ILLEGAL MINING (GALAMSEY)
The fight against illegal mining, or galamsey, is another critical issue the President is likely to be questioned on.
Despite government efforts, the practice continues to destroy water bodies and forest reserves. The government, which pledged to improve upon the previous administration’s performance, has seen some success in reclaiming certain forest reserves.
However, the tragic deaths of eight Ghanaians, including two ministers, on August 6 while on a mission to promote responsible mining near Obuasi in the Ashanti Region, have brought renewed pressure on the government.
Environmental groups have consistently called for a “state of emergency” in galamsey-endemic areas, a call the government has so far failed to heed despite supporting it while in opposition.
A positive development in this fight is the government’s decision to repeal L.I. 2462, which had previously permitted mining in forest reserves.
JUDICIARY AND ECONOMIC ISSUES
The recent removal of Chief Justice Gertrude Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo is also expected to be a major talking point.
President Mahama had previously avoided public comment on the matter during the suspension period that began in April. Now that the process has been finalized, observers believe he may finally address the issue and answer questions regarding the controversial decision.
The performance of the Cedi, a constant concern for businesses and ordinary Ghanaians, will also be on the agenda, along with updates on the President’s “Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL)” initiative.
The encounter is seen as a crucial opportunity for the President to provide clarity and reassure the nation on these and other pressing matters.