In 2017, when President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo assumed office, he made a solemn vow to the people of Ghana; he would end the scourge of illegal mining, known as galamsey, and halt the environmental destruction it was wreaking across the country.

He boldly stated that he would stake his presidency on fulfilling this promise. Seven years on, galamsey continues to devastate Ghana’s natural resources, while the President’s once firm stance has softened into a series of unfulfilled promises. It is now evident that President Akufo-Addo must take responsibility for this failure and step down.

Environmental and Social Devastation

Galamsey has left a trail of environmental destruction in its wake, polluting rivers, destroying farmlands, and decimating ecosystems. The once-pristine rivers Pra, Birim, and Ankobra are now poisoned with toxic chemicals like mercury and cyanide, turning vital water sources into health hazards. This environmental crisis has far-reaching consequences, affecting millions of Ghanaians who rely on these rivers for drinking water and agriculture.

The destruction of fertile land has also exacerbated food insecurity, forcing many in rural communities to abandon traditional farming in favor of illegal mining, further entrenching poverty. The government's response, including the "Operation Vanguard" task force, has been marred by allegations of corruption and a lack of transparency, deepening public mistrust.

A Broken Promise

President Akufo-Addo’s commitment to ending galamsey was not just political; it was a moral obligation. His failure to deliver on this promise raises serious questions about his ability to lead. Galamsey operations have not only persisted but, in some areas, intensified. In many nations where accountability is taken seriously, a leader who fails to keep such a significant promise would have resigned.

The President's inability to fulfill this pledge undermines the trust that the people of Ghana have placed in him. It represents a breach of the social contract that forms the cornerstone of democratic governance.

Erosion of Public Trust

One of the most profound consequences of the President's failure to tackle galamsey is the erosion of public trust in government institutions. When leaders make promises and fail to deliver, it signals that accountability is optional and that the rule of law can be bent for the benefit of a few, at the expense of the many. This perception fosters cynicism and apathy among the populace, weakening the fabric of Ghanaian democracy.

Moreover, the President's failure to act decisively has emboldened illegal miners and their backers, who now operate with a sense of impunity. Local communities, seeing the government’s inaction, either become complicit or are coerced into silence, further complicating efforts to control the menace.

The Imperative for Accountability

For Ghana to progress, there must be accountability at the highest levels of government. The President’s resignation would send a powerful message that no one is above the law and that promises made to the people must be honored. It would restore some measure of faith in the country’s leadership and signal a renewed commitment to tackling the galamsey crisis with the seriousness it demands.

Resignation is not merely about accepting responsibility for failure; it is about upholding the principles of leadership and integrity. When a leader’s word can no longer be trusted, that leader loses the moral authority to govern.

A Call for New Leadership

Ghana stands at a critical juncture. The country’s natural resources, once abundant and life-sustaining, are now under severe threat. Ending galamsey requires strong, decisive leadership willing to confront powerful vested interests and enforce the law without fear or favor. It demands a leader who places the nation’s future above personal or political gain.

President Akufo-Addo’s resignation would create an opportunity for new leadership to emerge—leadership that is bold, innovative, and committed to ending illegal mining once and for all. It would also signal to Ghanaians that their leaders are accountable and that promises made to them will be kept.

Conclusion

The battle against galamsey is more than an environmental issue; it is a test of the integrity and effectiveness of Ghana’s leadership. President Akufo-Addo’s failure to end this menace, despite his strong promises, is a clear indication that he has not lived up to the expectations of the Ghanaian people. In the interest of accountability, justice, and the future of the nation, it is time for him to resign and allow new leadership to take up this critical fight. The people of Ghana deserve nothing less.