Executive Director of the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA), Sulemana Braimah has critiqued President Akufo-Addo's pledge to put his presidency at risk to combat 'galamsey' (illegal mining) as a tactic to garner public support.

Braimah, speaking on JoyNews' Newsfile, explained that at the time of the president's statement, the nation was heavily affected by illegal mining, presenting a prime opportunity for the president to start his term on a positive note. He substantiated his claim with a report by Professor Frimpong Boateng, the former chairman of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Illegal Mining (IMCIM).

On April 20, 2023, Professor Boateng, who also served as the Minister of Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation, revealed that several high-ranking government officials were involved in illegal mining, implicating individuals up to the Jubilee House, the presidential seat.

Braimah argued, "In my view, we lost the battle against 'galamsey' long ago." He suggested that the president's declaration was more about public posturing than genuine commitment. "You only need to read Professor Boateng’s report to conclude that it was either public deception or politics as usual," he added during the June 15 interview with host Samson Lardy Anyenini.

Braimah also highlighted the resistance the IMCIM encountered from some legislators and government officials, noting that military protection was provided to some illegal miners during committee visits.

Moreover, Braimah pointed out that visits to forest reserves revealed extensive environmental damage, casting doubt on the president's commitment. He emphasized that most mining in forest reserves requires presidential approval, questioning how the president could genuinely be committed to combating illegal mining while such activities continue under his administration.

He concluded by questioning the president's sincerity in addressing the complex issue of illegal mining.