Dr Apaak admits to harsh comments on galamsey

The Deputy Minister of Education designate, Dr Clement Apaak, has admitted to using harsh language in his criticism of the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia government's handling of illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey. 

This acknowledgement came during his vetting by the Appointments Committee of Parliament yesterday.

The Minority Leader and New Patriotic Party (NPP) Member of Parliament (MP) for Effutu in the Central Region, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, questioned Dr Apaak about his previous comments, made on September 4, in the heat of the 2024 campaign season.

His (Dr Apaak’s ) initial criticism was made on social media ahead of the 2024 general election, on which he accused the previous government of enabling illegal mining and benefitting from the practice.

Mr Afenyo-Markin's inquiry was aimed at understanding Dr Apaak's stance on the then NPP government's efforts to combat galamsey, a pervasive issue affecting the country’s environment and economy.

Response

Dr Apaak, who is also the National Democratic Congress (NDC) MP for Builsa South in the Upper East Region, has been an outspoken advocate for environmental protection and sustainable mining practices.

In response to Mr  Afenyo-Markin's question, Dr Apaak acknowledged that, with hindsight, his language was "rather harsh."

“Given the context provided, it is only fair and appropriate that I concede that I was rather too excessive in blaming an entire government for the infractions of a few,” he stated.

He further expressed his willingness to take responsibility for his words, adding, “Given my responses so far, I would admit so.”

Dr Apaak expressed gratitude for the opportunity to clarify his stance, earning respect from Mr Afenyo-Markin for his academic background and commitment to public service.