Honorable Ebenezer Okletey Terlabi, Member of Parliament for Lower Manya krobo constituency and a Ranking Member of Parliament on Environment, Science, and Technology, has expressed strong opposition to President Nana Akufo-Addo’s recent call for former President John Dramani Mahama to clarify his stance on illegal mining, also known as “galamsey.”
In response, Hon. Terlabi emphasized that it is President Akufo-Addo who currently holds power, reminding him that Ghanaians entrusted him with leadership to manage the affairs of the nation.
He criticized the president for failing to fulfil his responsibilities, describing his approach as hypocritical.
“If the President has failed, he should acknowledge it instead of deflecting blame. This leadership has failed,” Hon Terlabi stated.
In an interview with Citizen Kofi, Hon. Terlabi questioned the relevance of former President Mahama in this matter, stressing that the President had once promised to put his presidency on the line to address the galamsey issue.
“What does Mr Mahama have to do with the President’s inability to deliver on his promise? Our water bodies are being destroyed, and yet the President wants to deflect attention,” Hon Terlabi pointed out.
He further argued that the power and resources to tackle illegal mining are fully within the current government’s control.
“The power is in your hands. You have been given the resources, the military, and the security services—use them. If the officials you have appointed are failing, you have the authority to remove them,” he added.
Hon Terlabi suggested that instead of deflecting blame onto Mahama, the president should take full responsibility for his administration’s shortcomings.
“Mahama is not the president right now. If he becomes president, then you can hold him accountable. But for now, the mandate is yours,” he said.
The MP further called on the president to consider stepping down if he feels overwhelmed by the challenges of his position.
“If the President feels his seat is too hot for him, he should resign. Let people who are ready to save this country from this mess take over.
“Hon. Terlabi concluded by affirming that the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has a solid policy on mining, which they intend to implement if voted into power in the upcoming December 7 elections.
“The NDC has done this before, and when Ghanaians give us the mandate, we will restore proper management in the mining sector,” he said.
Story by : Mercy Addai Turkson
