I Was Too Harsh on Galamsey Criticism of Akufo-Addo’s Govt – Dr. Apaak Admits
Deputy Minister Designate for Education concedes his remarks were excessive during parliamentary vetting.
- Dr. Apaak admits his past criticism of the government’s handling of illegal mining was excessive
- He made the remarks ahead of the 2024 elections, accusing the government of enabling galamsey
- During vetting, he acknowledged that his stance was too broad and took responsibility for his words
Dr. Clement Apaak, the Deputy Minister Designate for Education, has conceded that his previous criticisms of the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia administration’s handling of illegal mining (galamsey) were excessively harsh.
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 broad.
His initial criticism, made on social media ahead of the 2024 general elections, accused the government of enabling and benefiting from illegal mining. However, during the vetting, Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin referenced those remarks and asked him to clarify his stance.
In response, Dr. Apaak acknowledged that his earlier stance may have been unfairly sweeping.
“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.”
