Akufo-Addo's Galamsey Scandal Sparks National Tragedy Claim
The Legal Director of the United Party (UP), Andrew Appiah Danquah, has strongly criticised Ghana’s political and legal systems, alleging a collective failure to impeach former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo over the controversial legalisation of mining in forest reserves.
Speaking on Channel One TV on Saturday, December 20, Mr. Appiah Danquah described the decision as a “heinous crime against the environment” and expressed disappointment at the lack of constitutional accountability for the former President.
“If I have one regret or one disappointment about all of us as Ghanaians, then it was in our inability or our refusal to impeach Nana Addo when he committed this heinous crime and how he deliberately fueled galamsey,” he stated.
His comments come after Parliament successfully repealed Legislative Instrument (L.I.) 2462 on December 10, 2025. The L.I., passed in 2022, had granted the President discretionary powers to permit mining in protected forest reserves, a move that sparked significant public outcry.
Mr. Appiah Danquah, a legal practitioner and environmental advocate, argued that prior to 2022, no Ghanaian President possessed the legal authority to permit mining within forest reserves. He maintained that L.I. 2462 fundamentally altered this established legal position.
“Prior to 2022, the President of Ghana did not have power to permit mining in forest reserves. That was the essence of that L.I. The essence of that L.I was to give the president power to permit mining in forest reserves,” he explained.
He further asserted that the former President’s pursuit and utilisation of these powers constituted a betrayal of Ghana’s legal and environmental principles. “Now to think that the President, Nana Addo will want power to allow mining in forest reserves itself is a fundamental crime on Ghana,” he charged.
Mr. Appiah Danquah also launched a scathing attack on the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), questioning their moral standing to comment on the galamsey crisis, which has caused widespread environmental damage and hardship for farming communities.
“I can’t believe he has the cojones, he has the moral authority; anybody in NPP to speak about galamsey,” he declared, adding, “What they should do is wear sackcloth, look for ashes, put the ashes on their heads and bow their heads down in shame for the sin they committed against Ghana.”
The introduction of L.I. 2462 in 2022 had faced strong opposition from environmental groups who warned of increased deforestation, threats to biodiversity, and the undermining of Ghana’s conservation efforts.
Under the now-repealed instrument, the President had the power to approve mining concessions in previously protected forests, areas vital for water regulation, wildlife preservation, and climate resilience. Forest reserves like Atewa, Bia, and Tano Offin were particularly vulnerable, leading to protests, legal challenges, and international concern.
While the repeal is seen as a win for environmental advocates, some argue it is too late to fully mitigate the damage already inflicted. They are now calling for a thorough review of all mining concessions granted under L.I. 2462 and the implementation of stronger legal safeguards to prevent future abuses of executive power regarding environmental matters.
Mr. Appiah Danquah’s comments reflect a growing public demand for accountability that extends beyond the repeal of the L.I. There are increasing calls for retrospective investigations and even the establishment of a truth and accountability commission to examine environmental governance during the Akufo-Addo administration.
Despite no formal impeachment proceedings ever being initiated, the debate surrounding the former President’s environmental legacy continues. As Ghana confronts the ongoing consequences of illegal and poorly regulated mining, many believe this moment presents an opportunity for national reflection and a renewed commitment to the rule of law in environmental management.
Image Source: MYJOYONLINE
