Mr Daryl Bosu, the Deputy National Director of A Rocha, has expressed criticism towards Akufo-Addo's administration for its failure to address the pressing issue of illegal mining, otherwise known as galamsey, during the recent State of the Nation Address (SONA) to Parliament.

Mr Bosu pointed out the absence of environmental challenges in the SONA delivered by President Nana Ado Dankwa Akufo-Addo on February 27, 2024, highlighting the failure to acknowledge and confront the detrimental impacts of illegal mining on the nation's progress.

In an interview on Citi TV’s Point of View, Mr Daryl Bosu condemned the activities of illegal miners, emphasising the severe damage inflicted on the country’s water bodies. 

He squarely held the government accountable for its perceived inadequate efforts in tackling environmental issues.

"Listening to the President, a lot of issues that bordered on the environment were excluded from the State of the Nation Address. 

"We thought that he did that deliberately because they were too controversial, and we have not seen positive outcomes in those areas. One of them clearly missing was galamsey issues, and that already testifies to the fact that ‘Galamsey’ is still with us," Mr Bosu stated.

He further highlighted the visible effects of galamsey across the country, with rivers and water bodies continuing to show signs of pollution. 

Mr Bosu expressed concern about the widespread environmental degradation, asserting that no river in the country could currently be considered clean.

"Our rivers and water bodies have not cleared as has been expected; we see pollution in a lot of places. 

"You cannot count one river body now in this country and say that it is clean. It’s not only our rivers which have been polluted; our health is also being put at risk.

"These mining activities have seen unprecedented pollution by heavy metals and residue, and it has also affected our farmlands. Unprecedented assault on our forest reserves,” he emphasised.

The critique by Daryl Bosu underscores the urgent need for comprehensive action to address the environmental consequences of illegal mining in Ghana.