President Mahama's administration has faced intense scrutiny over its handling of illegal mining, or 'galamsey', which has allegedly worsened under their watch. Jerry Ahmed Shaib, a prominent MP and Second Deputy Minority Whip, has boldly accused the government of using 'galamsey money' to sustain the economy, even suggesting a potential corruption angle where the Gold Board might be purchasing gold from illegal miners. This claim raises serious questions about the government's economic stability narrative, especially given the environmental devastation caused by galamsey activities. The MP's concerns extend to the destruction of Ghana's forest reserves, which he believes is being overlooked in favor of prioritizing economic gains. He argues that the government's claims of financial success and stable currency are misleading, as the reality on the ground shows ongoing environmental crises and the suffering of citizens. The Deputy Minority Whip dismisses the government's economic achievements as propaganda, emphasizing that ordinary Ghanaians are not benefiting from these alleged gains. Furthermore, he criticizes the 24-hour economy proposal as empty rhetoric, highlighting the government's slow response to the issue. The MP's grim assessment of the country's direction is further emphasized by a recent helicopter crash, which he sees as a missed opportunity to take a stand against galamsey. He warns that ignoring these issues will only exacerbate the nation's problems, as people continue to die and suffer due to the environmental damage caused by galamsey activities.
