Kennedy Mintah, an NPP communicator, has said the GoldBod Chief Executive Officer(CEO), Lawyer Sammy Gyamfi, Minister of Communications Sam George, and Minister of Foreign Affairs Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa will take the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) government into opposition.
According to Kennedy Mintah, who referred to the three government figures as “the three Sams” disclosed that Sammy Gyamfi, Sam George, and Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa are contributing to the Mahama government’s growing unpopularity.
He argued that the “three Sams” are creating problems for the John Mahama administration and making the government of the day unpopular.
Speaking on Oyerepa Radio, Kennedy Mintah stated, “The three Sams that will take the NDC to opposition are Sammy Gyamfi, Sam George and Sam Ablakwa. They are making the government unpopular”.
He further criticised Sammy Gyamfi’s position that mining could be undertaken with or without a licence.
“But galamsey is destroying our farming communities, but now Sammy Gyamfi is saying that with or without a licence one can engage in mining,” the NPP Communicator stated
“This is just the beginning of the kind of corruption coming up ahead,” he claimed.
The NPP communicator’s criticism was centred particularly on the government’s approach to illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey.
Meanwhile, Erastus Asare Donkor, an Environmental journalist, has waded into the controversy surrounding comments by Ghana Gold Board CEO Sammy Gyamfi that small-scale miners can operate without a license as long as they stay away from forest reserves, waterbodies and roadsides.
According to Erastus Asare Donkor, Sammy Gyamfi goofed, arguing that Mining without a license is a crime punishable by law with imprisonment.
“Clearly he goofed big time. Mining without a license is a crime punishable by law with imprisonment,” Erastus stated.
He further cited the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703), stressing that it is unambiguous that no person can mine in Ghana without a mineral right and a license granted by the Minister for Mines, irrespective of land ownership.
Erastus Asare Donkor further questioned the relevance of the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) if small-scale miners can operate without a license.
“Other than that, what is NAIMOS DOING?” he quizzed.
In addition, the NPP Minority Caucus in Parliament has announced plans to initiate a vote of censure against Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa.
According to the Minority, should Ablakwa remain in office over the alleged scandal involving the evacuation exercise conducted some months ago, they will consider initiating a parliamentary process for a vote of censure under Article 82 of the Constitution.
The Minority stressed that the move was necessary to ensure accountability and uphold the integrity of public office.
Speaking during a press conference, Samuel Abdulai Jinapor stated, “Should the minister remain in office, the minority in Parliament will consider initiating the parliamentary process for a vote of censure under Article 82 of the Constitution and Order 138 of the Standing Orders of Parliament against the Minister”.
The information garthered suggest under Article 82 of the Constitution, a motion for a vote of censure against a minister requires the support of at least two-thirds of all Members of Parliament to be passed.
Should the motion succeed, President John Mahama will be required to revoke the minister’s appointment unless the minister resigns voluntarily.
@ghnow_ The Minority in Parliament has called for Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa’s resignation over corruption allegations linked to the South Africa evacuation exercise. #GHNow #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow
@ghnow_ The Minority is demanding Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa’s resignation, arguing that his continued stay in office could allow him to conceal evidence in the South Africa evacuation allegations. #GHNow #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow
