Correspondence from Ashanti Region

The Founder and leader of Open Arms Ministry, St Sark, has fiercely criticised President John Dramani Mahama for his perceived failure to decisively tackle illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.

St Sark, a disappointed spiritual leader, accused President Mahama of relaxing his stance despite previous campaign pledges to eradicate the menace, questioning why a state of emergency has not been declared.

Speaking at a passionate press conference held at his church premises, the controversial man of God asserted that all forms of mining activities, except deep mining, should be immediately halted to safeguard the nation's future.

St Sark, who expressed deep concern over the devastating impact of galamsey, including the loss of innocent lives, birth deformities and various ailments, lamented the destruction caused by a "few greedy individuals" at the expense of the majority.

He vehemently dismissed arguments that declaring a state of emergency would lead to job losses for an estimated 4 million Ghanaians involved in mining.

Describing such comments as 'senseless,' St Sark declared that "Galamsey kills more than every disease in Ghana.

"Trying to shield individuals involved means we don't know what we are doing as a nation."

The furious man of God highlighted the plight of over 15 million farmers, whose livelihoods and farmlands are being destroyed by galamseyers.

He argued that it is illogical to prioritize the employment of 4 million "destroyers" while neglecting the critical role of farmers in feeding the country and preventing starvation.

"I get annoyed whenever I hear such an argument from people," St Sark stated.

"If you say declaring a state of emergency could render about 4 million Ghanaians jobless, what about the over 15 million farmers who have had their farmlands destroyed by these wicked individuals who are enemies of God?

"Are these innocent farmers not rendered jobless, and our country too affected? They shouldn't annoy me with such arguments."

He further disclosed that thorough research had revealed that almost 90 percent of individuals engaged in galamsey already possess other jobs.

"Go and ask if most of these miners do not have jobs already. Over 90 percent of them already have jobs. Why are we doing these things to ourselves as a nation?" he quizzed.

He identified many as drivers, mechanics, masons, steel benders and carpenters who are lured into mining by the pursuit of quick money and greed, ultimately leading to environmental degradation.

Drawing on biblical references, St Sark emphatically declared that all who destroy water bodies, forests, and lands, as well as those who condone such acts, are "the worst enemies of God."

He therefore issued a stern warning to President John Dramani Mahama, urging him to cease condoning these individuals with "flimsy excuses" and to promptly declare a state of emergency.

St Sark expressed profound disappointment that the former president had failed to take this decisive action even after a recent meeting with Civil Society Organizations (CSOs).

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