Hon. Kwadwo Siaw Urges Reforms on Corruption, Illegal Mining and Security in Ghana
In an intense and unfiltered discussion on “The Hot Seat” with NSG News’ presenter Eamn, Hon. Kwadwo Siaw, the NDC Regional Interparty & Civil Society Organization Chairman, spoke out against the ruling NPP government. He highlighted serious issues in the country’s healthcare system, electoral credibility, and the escalating crisis of illegal mining, locally known as “galamsey.” Hon. Siaw’s bold remarks shed light on the NDC’s stance on pressing national issues, igniting debate about accountability, sustainable development, and good governance.
Ghana’s Healthcare Neglect: Unfinished NDC Projects
Hon. Siaw criticized the NPP government for neglecting hospitals initiated by the NDC, stating that completing these facilities could have eased the healthcare burden and created employment opportunities, especially for nurses. “If the NPP government had allowed the hospitals that were started by the NDC to be completed, Ghana would be employing more nurses by now,” he argued. According to Siaw, the current government’s failure to follow through on these projects shows a lack of commitment to public health and job creation.
Electoral Integrity and Trust in Governance
Reflecting on the controversies surrounding Ghana’s 2020 election, Hon. Siaw expressed the NDC’s frustration with the Electoral Commission, particularly the multiple revisions of the election results. He emphasized the party’s dedication to peace, stating that despite doubts about the election’s fairness, the NDC refrained from protests or violence out of respect for law and order. However, he questioned the integrity of the current electoral process, suggesting that the inconsistencies in vote counts have undermined public trust.
“Our party is law-abiding; we did not take to the streets when we felt the election was rigged. But we cannot trust an electoral commissioner who declared over six different results for the same election,” he said. His remarks reflect the NDC’s ongoing skepticism about the transparency of Ghana’s democratic institutions.
Handling of Crises: Ebola vs. COVID-19
Hon. Siaw drew comparisons between the NDC’s response to the Ebola virus threat and the NPP’s approach to the COVID-19 pandemic, accusing the latter of being unprepared. He claimed that, unlike the NPP, the NDC government was structured and financially equipped to handle emergencies without disrupting the economy.
He added that the NPP government’s alleged mismanagement of funds set aside in the Sinking Fund – initially intended for unforeseen crises – contributed to their mishandling of the COVID-19 crisis. According to Hon. Siaw, the current administration’s actions amounted to deceit, with funds misused instead of being prudently reserved for emergencies.
Galamsey and Environmental Degradation: A Call for Military Intervention
Addressing the growing galamsey crisis, Hon. Siaw spoke at length about the dire effects of illegal mining on Ghana’s water bodies. He condemned the irresponsible practices of some miners who fail to restore lands after excavation, leading to environmental degradation. Hon. Siaw highlighted the dangers posed by the Chamfan machines from China, used not only for mining but also for breaking stones and other activities, yet adding that Ghana Customs should not be blamed for their importation as the machines have multiple uses.
Calling for a solution, he advocated for military intervention to police water bodies and protect them from further destruction. “The destruction of our water bodies by galamsey is a crisis. I suggest the government deploy the military across the nation to protect our waters,” he said. He acknowledged that those tasked with enforcing regulations often become compromised, partly due to poverty, making it essential for citizens to support the government’s efforts in safeguarding the environment.
The NDC’s Vision: Banning Community Mining and Reforming Mining Licenses
If the NDC is elected back into power, Hon. Siaw emphasized that they would take stringent measures to protect Ghana’s natural resources. He announced that the party would halt all community mining, ban mining in river bodies, and stop mining activities in forest reserves. He criticized the NPP government for issuing excessive mining licenses, suggesting that an NDC administration would reassess and reduce such authorizations.
“The NPP government has issued too many mining certificates and licenses, and that must be stopped,” he stated, stressing the need for responsible mining practices to preserve Ghana’s environment.
A Controversial Call for Change
Hon. Siaw’s statements have reignited discussions on the accountability of elected officials and the importance of prioritizing Ghana’s development over partisan politics. The NDC’s promises to take decisive action on mining and their criticisms of the NPP’s governance raise crucial questions about the future of Ghana’s resources, healthcare, and democratic integrity.
NSG News will continue to monitor these issues as they unfold, bringing Ghanaians the insights and perspectives necessary for informed discussion on the nation’s most pressing challenges.
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