Nana Kwame Bediako, also known as Cheddar, an independent presidential hopeful, has strongly criticized the National Democratic Congress (NDC) for its recent protest against illegal mining, commonly referred to as galamsey. He claims that the demonstration was more about advancing the party’s political interests than addressing the environmental crisis.
Galamsey and Its Impact
Illegal small-scale mining, or galamsey, has caused severe damage to Ghana’s environment. Water sources have been polluted, agricultural lands destroyed, and local ecosystems severely disrupted. The issue has sparked public outcry, with growing pressure on the government to take decisive action.
NDC’s Protest Against Galamsey
In response to the galamsey crisis, the NDC, in collaboration with the OccupyJulorbi House and FixTheCountry movements, organized a protest to demand stronger government intervention. The demonstration sought to shine a light on the government’s failure to control the illegal mining activities that are devastating communities.
However, Bediako believes the NDC’s motivations are less about environmental concern and more about gaining political leverage.
Cheddar’s Criticism of the NDC
According to Cheddar, the NDC’s protest was a politically motivated effort designed to score points rather than a sincere attempt to solve the galamsey problem. He accused the party of hypocrisy, citing its own track record on the issue.
“The NDC had the opportunity to tackle galamsey when they were in government, but they failed to do so,” Bediako said. “Their sudden activism is nothing more than a political stunt,” he added, implying that the party’s interest in the matter is purely for political mileage.
Political Reactions and Debate
Cheddar’s remarks have stirred debate in political circles. While some political observers agree with his assessment, suggesting that the NDC is using the protest to boost its image ahead of future elections, others argue that the demonstration was a legitimate attempt to hold the government accountable for its inaction.
Source: GhanaFeed.Com