Former Minority Leader and Tamale South MP, Haruna Iddrisu, has dismissed attempts to blame former President John Mahama for Ghana’s ongoing galamsey (illegal mining) crisis. Iddrisu emphasized that, under Ghanaian law, all mineral resources are constitutionally under the authority of the sitting president, making it unjust to hold a former president accountable for current issues.
At the NDC’s campaign launch in Hamile, Lambusie constituency, Iddrisu clarified that Article 268 of the Constitution places the responsibility for mineral resource management with the current president, Nana Akufo-Addo, not Mahama. He expressed surprise at the attempt to shift responsibility to Mahama, who is no longer in office.
Iddrisu highlighted that the current mismanagement of resources, if any, falls squarely on Akufo-Addo’s shoulders. He underscored that the issue should not be used to drag Mahama’s name into the discussion. The MP stressed that if the handling of mineral resources is causing harm to communities and livelihoods, it is Akufo-Addo who should be held accountable.
The focus, according to Iddrisu, should remain on the current administration’s role in managing and regulating the industry. He reiterated that the constitutional mandate for overseeing mineral resources belongs to the sitting president, not past leaders.
Iddrisu’s remarks aimed to clear the air about the misconceptions regarding accountability for the galamsey crisis. He firmly placed the onus on the current leadership to address and resolve the issues associated with illegal mining.
In summary, Haruna Iddrisu has called for a clear understanding of constitutional responsibilities, urging that current issues with galamsey be directed at the present administration rather than former leaders. His comments highlight the importance of focusing on those currently in power for resolving such crises.
By emphasizing the constitutional framework and current leadership’s duties, Iddrisu seeks to redirect blame and encourage accountability where it is due.
