Founder and leader of the Action People's Party (APP), Mr Kenneth Nana Kwame Asamoah, has withdrawn from the upcoming general elections, citing his disappointment in the government's handling of illegal mining, also known as "galamsey."He stated that the failure of the government to completely address the destruction caused by galamsey has deeply influenced his decision to bow out of the December 7 elections.According to Mr Asamoah, the government's supposed efforts to tackle the galamsey menace have failed, leading to the deterioration of heavily affected areas.He emphasised that the government should be held responsible for the worsening situation, saying "the New Patriotic Party (NPP) government has shown that they can no longer handle this issue."He raised these concerns during an interview with the Ghanaian Times yesterday in Accra.The APP leader pointed out that activities threatening lives and the environment should be treated with utmost seriousness.However, the government's inability to curb illegal mining has left communities devastated and vulnerable.Mr Asamoah also urged Ghanaians to consider the ongoing destruction when casting their votes in favour of the ruling NPP.He revealed that, despite having picked up nomination forms and gone through the required processes to participate in the elections, he decided to withdraw after reflecting on the galamsey crisis."I do not want to be part of a nation that has deliberately caused destruction to its environment," he said.Mr Asamoah reiterated that he would only consider participating in future elections if the situation surrounding galamsey significantly improves, adding that the party's withdrawal was a stand against environmental degradation.The APP leader also criticised the involvement of some government officials in illegal mining activities, calling it "unacceptable and heart-rending."He lamented the irony of officials entrusted with protecting the nation instead contributing to its destruction."It is unimaginable to know that some government officials who are supposed to protect the citizenry are the ones allegedly engaging in such serious environmental activities," he said.He noted that the gravity of the situation led Parliament to recently hold an emergency meeting to address the alleged misconduct of these officials.Mr Asamoah therefore called for more stringent measures to combat illegal mining and stressed the disproportionate impact it has on women and children, describing the effects on livelihoods as enormous and immeasurable.In furtherance, the politician urged the government to think about the future implications of the menace, especially on vulnerable populations.
BY RAISSA SAMBOU