Eco-Conscious Citizens Demand Arrest of MP Frank Annoh-Dompreh for Alleged Admission of Involvement in Illegal Mining
Eco-conscious citizens and environmental activists are calling for the immediate arrest of Frank Annoh-Dompreh, the Member of Parliament (MP) for Nsawam-Adoagyiri, following his alleged admission of involvement in illegal mining activities, widely known in Ghana as “galamsey.” This activity has been identified as a major contributor to the destruction of the nation’s water bodies and forest reserves.
The call for the MP’s arrest has been fueled by growing frustration among environmental advocates and concerned citizens who see the government’s lack of action against illegal mining as a serious threat to Ghana’s environment. The group has expressed outrage over the MP’s purported confession and is demanding swift intervention from law enforcement authorities to hold him accountable.
Frank Annoh-Dompreh, who also serves as the Majority Chief Whip, recently sparked controversy during an emergency sitting of parliament in Accra on Tuesday, September 3, when he responded to concerns raised by the minority about the government’s failure to address the ongoing galamsey crisis. The MP defended the current administration, claiming that the previous National Democratic Congress (NDC) government caused more water pollution during its tenure than the current New Patriotic Party (NPP) government.
In his statement, Mr. Annoh-Dompreh asserted that any thorough investigation would reveal that the NDC was more culpable in polluting water bodies across the country. He argued that the current government had done more to mitigate the effects of galamsey compared to its predecessor. His remarks, however, were perceived by many as an admission of the current administration’s involvement in illegal mining, prompting public outrage and demands for his arrest.
Awula Serwaa, the Coordinator for Eco-Conscious Citizens, voiced her concerns during an interview on *The Big Issue* on Channel One TV on Saturday. She argued that the MP’s comments were tantamount to an admission of guilt and called for his immediate arrest. “I have a view that they [duty bearers] just don’t care,” she said. “If you saw the recent ‘goings-on’ in parliament where an MP behaves like a kindergarten child, talking about who has poisoned the waters more than the other, it is clear he is admitting guilt. He should be arrested because he is saying that he has not poisoned as much as the NDC has.”
Serwaa’s remarks underscore the frustration felt by many Ghanaians regarding the government’s inability to tackle the environmental degradation caused by illegal mining. She emphasized that the issue is not about competition between political parties, but rather an urgent environmental crisis that requires immediate and decisive action. “This is not a competition. The house is on fire. We face an existential threat. We should be solving the problem. We can solve it today if the political will is there,” she added.
However, Serwaa lamented the apparent lack of political will among government officials to address the illegal mining crisis. She expressed concern that without strong leadership and commitment to safeguarding the environment, the situation could soon reach a point of no return. “Unfortunately, the political will isn’t there, and we, the people who have a constitutional duty to protect and safeguard the environment, have to take action now before we reach the point of no return,” she stressed.
Environmental activists and community members have joined forces to pressure the government to take meaningful steps to end illegal mining activities. The group argues that the damage caused by galamsey operations is not only an environmental issue but also a public health crisis, as contaminated water sources pose severe health risks to local communities.
Critics of the government argue that the continued prevalence of illegal mining activities, despite numerous pledges and interventions, suggests a lack of commitment or capability to enforce environmental regulations. They contend that illegal mining is often facilitated by political patronage and corruption, which allow perpetrators to operate with impunity.
In response to these allegations, many environmental groups, including Eco-Conscious Citizens, are calling for greater accountability and transparency in the fight against illegal mining. They are demanding that the government prioritize environmental protection by enforcing laws, prosecuting offenders, and ensuring that no one, regardless of their political affiliation, is above the law.
The debate over illegal mining has intensified in recent years, as Ghanaians continue to witness the devastating effects of galamsey on their water bodies, forests, and farmlands. The Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL) has raised alarm over the increasing cost of treating water polluted by mining activities, warning that if the trend continues, the nation could face severe water shortages in the future.
In addition, the destruction of forests and farmlands by illegal mining activities threatens food security and the livelihoods of millions of people who depend on agriculture. Environmentalists argue that the consequences of unchecked illegal mining are far-reaching and could undermine Ghana’s sustainable development efforts.
The call for the arrest of Frank Annoh-Dompreh represents a broader demand for action against all those involved in illegal mining, regardless of their status or political affiliation. Activists argue that holding high-ranking officials accountable is essential to restoring public confidence in the government’s commitment to protecting the environment.
As the government faces increasing pressure to act, it remains to be seen whether it will take decisive steps to address the illegal mining crisis and hold those responsible accountable. For now, the calls for action continue to grow louder, with eco-conscious citizens and environmental advocates leading the charge in the fight to save Ghana’s natural resources from further destruction.
