‘We’re repeating the sins of the old administration, up your fight on galamsay”- Prof Bokpin to Mahama:
Renowned economist and Professor of Finance, Godfred A. Bokpin, has expressed deep disappointment in the current government’s efforts to combat illegal mining (galamsey) under the leadership of President John Dramani Mahama, urging a more serious and decisive approach to the crisis.
Speaking with palpable emotion, Professor Bokpin painted a grim picture of the consequences of unchecked galamsey, highlighting the devastating environmental damage, the loss of innocent lives, and the potential for organ harvesting connected to the practice. “Anyone buying gold from Ghana,” he declared, “you are buying blood. This is blood gold. You are buying organs of innocent people.”
Professor Bokpin urged Ghanaians to “rise up” and speak out against galamsey, stressing the urgency of the situation. He directly addressed President Mahama, urging him to prioritize the future of Ghana over political considerations and to implement bold, even unpopular, measures to stop the destruction.
“Mr. President, you are failing,” Professor Bokpin stated bluntly. “If you want to leave a legacy, your legacy should last… we don’t want to lose our respect for you.” He warned that the current path risks repeating a destructive proverb, where “the fathers have eaten the sour grapes, and the children’s teeth are set on edge.”
He expressed fear that if the situation continues unchecked, it could force him to leave the country, stating, “If anything will cause me to leave this country, it will be irresponsible mining.”
Professor Bokpin’s remarks come as concern mounts over the persistent challenges in curbing galamsey, despite government initiatives.
