Ato Forson ‘slaps’ NPP over galamsey

Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson has criticized the previous administration, accusing it of celebrating unsustainable economic growth fueled by illegal mining (galamsey).

Speaking in an interview with Bernard Avle on The Point of View on Channel One TV monitored by Radiooneghana.com, Dr. Forson challenged claims of economic progress, arguing that much of the recorded GDP growth under the Akufo-Addo administration came from mining—half of which was driven by galamsey activities.

“Bernard, look at the GDP very carefully, and ascertain where the growth is coming from. It will surprise you to know that the growth that we’ve seen—the bulk of it is coming from mining. And go into mining, where is the growth coming from? Mining today is 50/50. Fifty percent from galamsey and fifty percent coming from a proper mining establishment as governed and regulated by the Minerals Commission. So they’re only celebrating galamsey. That’s what they are celebrating.”

The Finance Minister condemned the previous government for taking pride in economic growth that came at the cost of environmental destruction, stressing that such development was unsustainable.

“This cannot be sustainable. It is not a sustainable growth in the sense that your water bodies are being destroyed, your forests are being destroyed, and you’re celebrating that growth. So if the growth is coming from the destruction of water bodies, it is coming from the destruction of your forests and you’re celebrating, then what kind of celebration is this? This is not something we should celebrate; we should rather be ashamed of ourselves if growth is coming from that side.”

Dr. Forson further projected an economic growth rate of at least 4.4% under the current administration, assuring that his approach to governance is to “under-promise and over-deliver.”

“So I’m projecting at least 4.4%, and the wording there is at least. It has always been my style—under-promise and over-deliver. And so we under-promise and over-deliver, and it helps in your estimation. Budget must be credible.”

His remarks come at a time when Ghana’s economy is under scrutiny, with debates raging over the true drivers of economic growth and the long-term consequences of illegal mining.