Kwame Pianim, the respected economist and senior member of the New Patriotic Party, has waded into the heated debate over illegal mining, also known as galamsey.
Speaking openly about how both past and present governments have failed to properly deal with the problem, Pianim did not hold back his words. He said plainly, “Akufo-Addo was in power for 8 years and what did we do?” His words cut sharply into the conversation that has often placed blame on former President John Mahama for the country’s mining troubles.
Pianim made it clear that the current political blame game was not fair, because those who are now pointing fingers have also had the chance to act but failed to deal with the problem.
His question, “Akufo-Addo was in power for 8 years and what did we do?” was not just a comment but a reminder that leadership is judged by actions, not excuses.
To him, the continuous destruction of water bodies, lands, and forests is not only a shame but a failure by those who promised to stop it.
Illegal mining has for years destroyed rivers and lands, leaving communities without clean water.
Governments have pledged again and again to end galamsey, but the reality is different on the ground. The activity continues, sometimes even worsening, while political leaders argue over who is to blame. Pianim’s comments reflect the frustration of many Ghanaians who see little change despite endless promises.
The economist also warned that shifting blame onto one side of the political divide does not solve anything. By asking, “Akufo-Addo was in power for 8 years and what did we do?”
Pianim was calling for honesty and self-reflection within his own party and beyond. He reminded politicians that galamsey is not a partisan problem but a national disaster, and unless everyone is willing to admit failure and take tough steps, the fight will remain a lost battle.
Many who listened to Pianim believe his words carry weight because he is not just another politician looking for votes. He is someone who has seen how Ghana’s politics has failed to address pressing problems over the years.
His criticism of his own party also shows his willingness to speak the truth, no matter how uncomfortable it may be. For ordinary Ghanaians who are tired of political promises, his bold statement comes as a wake-up call.
The challenge now is whether leaders will take his words seriously and act, or whether they will continue trading accusations while illegal miners destroy the country’s resources. The rivers keep drying up, the forests keep vanishing, and young people keep risking their lives in dangerous pits while the government looks on.
Pianim’s question remains unanswered: “Akufo-Addo was in power for 8 years and what did we do?” Until those in power can respond with real results instead of excuses, the anger and disappointment among Ghanaians will only grow. His words show that the time for blame has passed; what the country needs now is true action to save its land, water, and future.
Source; mobileghanaweb
Enock Akonnor is an experienced Ghanaian journalist, based in Kumasi and currently serves as the CEO and Managing Editor of www.leakyghana.com.
With a wealth of expertise built over many years in the media industry, he has earned a solid reputation as one of Ghana’s most sought-after journalists.
Contact:
📞 +233 541 921 562
✉️ enockakonnor2013@gmail.com
