My galamsey criticism of Akufo-Addo’s govt was ‘too harsh’ – Apaak
Dr. Clement Apaak, the Deputy Minister Designate for Education, has acknowledged that his past remarks criticizing the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia administration’s handling of illegal mining, known as galamsey, were overly harsh.
Speaking during his vetting before Parliament’s Appointments Committee on Tuesday, February 25, 2025, Dr. Apaak admitted that, in hindsight, his comments were “too hard” and excessive.
His initial criticism, made on social media ahead of the 2024 general elections, accused the government of enabling illegal mining and benefiting from the practice.
During the vetting, Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin referred to the remarks and asked Dr. Apaak to clarify his stance.
In response, Dr. Apaak acknowledged that his criticism may have been too broad.
“Given the context provided, it is only fair and appropriate that I concede that I was rather too excessive in blaming an entire government for the infractions of a few,” he stated.
He further expressed his willingness to take responsibility for his words, adding, “Given my responses so far, I would admit so.”
