The Commissioner of the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), Joseph Whittal, has expressed disappointment in President Nana Akufo-Addo for failing to effectively combat illegal mining, commonly known as ‘galamsey.’
This statement follows an announcement by the Ghana Water Company Limited, which revealed that it requires a significant amount of chemicals to purify water for consumption. The company further explained that they are facing challenges in supplying water to several communities in the Central Region, including Cape Coast and Elmina, due to the pollution of water bodies across the country.
In an interview with BBC News, Mr. Whittal, said “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.”
According to the commissioner, calls for the declaration of a state of emergency are necessary to stop the widespread activities of illegal mining.
He said “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”.
Mr. Whittal urged the President to take immediate action and leave a positive legacy in the fight against galamsey before his term ends on January 7, 2025.
“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 reiterated.
