Former 2nd Vice Chairman of the NPP China Branch, Nana Moses, has launched a scathing critique of Lands and Natural Resources Minister, Hon. Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah, accusing him of indulging in emotional theatrics instead of demonstrating decisive leadership in the fight against illegal mining, also known as galamsey.
His comments follow recent scenes where the Minister was captured in tears after watching a documentary on the environmental devastation caused by Akonta Mining Company Limited in the Western Region.
“I watched with utter disbelief as the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah, wept after viewing a documentary on the destruction of lands and water bodies,” Nana Moses said in a strongly worded statement.
He condemned the display of emotion, insisting that Ghana does not need a crying minister but one who is bold and ready to act. “Let me say it plainly: Ghana does not need a crying minister — Ghana needs action, courage, and leadership,” he stated.
The former NPP executive reminded Minister Buah of his own past criticisms of the Akufo-Addo administration, particularly on its handling of illegal mining. “President Akufo-Addo has failed woefully in the fight against illegal mining. He is protecting party people and turning a blind eye to the destruction of our environment,” he quoted the Minister from his days in opposition.
According to Nana Moses, the NDC, which had promised a tough stance on galamsey while in opposition, now appears directionless. “Today, the same man who claimed moral high ground is now in charge — and what is he doing? Sitting in an air-conditioned room watching documentaries and crying, while our rivers turn brown and our forests are destroyed,” he stated.
He accused the NDC government of betraying public trust and likened their approach to “a child on their first day at school — clueless and overwhelmed.”
Nana Moses did not mince words in his closing appeal, urging the Minister to match his words with action. “Tears won’t purify our polluted rivers. Emotions won’t restore destroyed farmlands. Ghana is bleeding, and what we need is bold, practical action — not cameras and crocodile tears.”
He concluded by warning that Ghanaians are watching closely and will not hesitate to hold the Minister and the government accountable for their failure to deliver on their promises to tackle illegal mining head-on.
Read full statement below:
I watched with utter disbelief as the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah, wept after viewing a documentary on the destruction of lands and water bodies in the Western Region by Akonta Mining Company Limited.
Let me say it plainly: Ghana does not need a crying minister — Ghana needs action, courage, and leadership. A man who once stood boldly on political platforms accusing others of incompetence cannot now hide behind tears.
I want to remind Hon. Armah Kofi Buah of his own words, when he attacked President Akufo-Addo’s government, saying:
“President Akufo-Addo has failed woefully in the fight against illegal mining. He is protecting party people and turning a blind eye to the destruction of our environment.”
Today, the same man who claimed moral high ground is now in charge — and what is he doing? Sitting in an air-conditioned room watching documentaries and crying, while our rivers turn brown and our forests are destroyed by illegal mining operations right under his watch.
When the National Democratic Congress (NDC) was in opposition, they promised Ghanaians a radical transformation in the fight against galamsey. They shouted from every rooftop that they would protect the land, the water, and the future of our children. But now in power, they act like a child on their first day at school — clueless and overwhelmed.
This is not leadership. This is theatre.
Tears won’t purify our polluted rivers. Emotions won’t restore destroyed farmlands. Ghana is bleeding, and what we need is bold, practical action — not cameras and crocodile tears.
I call on Hon. Armah Kofi Buah to rise above the theatrics and live up to the expectations he set when he was in opposition. The time for speeches and staged emotions is over. Ghanaians are watching — and we will hold you accountable.
…Signed…
Nana Moses
Fmr. 2nd Vice Chairman, NPP China Branch
