According to a report by Ghanaweb, Manasseh Azure Awuni says he feels more hopeless after hearing a speech by President John Dramani Mahama about the fight against galamsey (illegal small-scale mining). According to Azure, Mahama spoke nicely, but he did not see real plans or action that offer hope. He fears the problem will continue.
Azure said many people in Ghana want leaders to do more than talk. He believes that after listening to Mahama, the country still lacks clear strategy, commitment, and strong policy enforcement. This fills him with sadness because illegal mining harms the land, water, and the people who depend on farming and fishing.
He stressed that galamsey is not only an environmental issue. It affects health, local economies, and children’s lives. Farms are ruined; rivers are polluted and unsafe. With those outcomes, even good words sound hollow if nothing is done. He wants to see laws enforced, people held accountable, and communities involved in stopping the damage.
Azure also said that citizens need transparency. They must know what the government will do, how resources will be used, and what progress will be made. Without transparency, promises may sound like slogans. He urged the government to show evidence—report on actions, share data, show results.
He warned that feeling hopeless can spread. If people believe nothing will improve, they might lose faith in public institutions. That could damage trust and slow efforts to solve galamsey. So, leaders must act swiftly and decisively to restore confidence.
Despite his disappointment, Azure said he is not giving up. He believes Ghanaians deserve justice and protection. If people work together—government, traditional leaders, civil society—change can come. But that change must begin with real plans, enforcement, and accountability.
He hopes that when leaders speak again, they will bring concrete policies, measurable checkpoints, clear roles, and penalties for violators. With those, people like him—and many others—can start feeling that hope again
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