Here is the rewritten article, structured in clean HTML and optimized for SEO, clarity, and pedagogical value.

I Will Not Judge the Lands Minister’s Efficiency, However… — Abu Jinapor

Introduction

In a nuanced interview with PleasureNews, Samuel Abu Jinapor, the former Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, has addressed the current state of Ghana’s mining sector. While declining to rate the performance of his successor, Emmanuel Armah Kofi-Buah, Jinapor offered a critical assessment of the ongoing fight against illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey. His comments highlight the complex intersection of political accountability, environmental degradation, and the continuity of governance.

Key Points

Background

The issue of illegal small-scale mining has been a longstanding challenge for successive governments in Ghana. Under the previous administration led by the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Samuel Abu Jinapor served as the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources. His tenure was marked by significant policy interventions aimed at curbing environmental destruction caused by mining activities.

Following a change in government, Emmanuel Armah Kofi-Buah of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) took over the portfolio. The transition of power brings with it public scrutiny regarding whether the new administration’s strategies are yielding better results than the previous one. This context sets the stage for Jinapor’s recent comments, where he navigates the delicate protocol of inter-party political conduct while addressing urgent national environmental concerns.

Analysis

Abu Jinapor’s statement offers a dual perspective: one on political protocol and the other on environmental policy efficacy. By refusing to charge his successor, Jinapor adheres to a standard of political decorum. His argument rests on the principle of democratic accountability. In a parliamentary democracy, ministers are appointed by and answerable to the head of state. Therefore, a former minister rating a current one is procedurally irregular; the ultimate judge is the appointing authority (the President) and, by extension, the electorate.

The Politics of Evaluation

Jinapor’s refusal to rate Kofi-Buah suggests a respect for the institutional framework of governance. He notes that those who have held office should be empathetic to the challenges their successors face. This perspective discourages a culture of retrospective bitterness often seen in political transitions. However, this empathy does not equate to silence on policy failures.

Assessment of the Galamsey Fight

When pivoting to the anti-galamsey campaign, Jinapor’s tone shifts from diplomatic restraint to stark realism. He asserts that the struggle against illegal mining has been unsuccessful. This is a significant statement coming from a former custodian of the nation’s natural resources. His assessment is not based on political bias, he claims, but on observable evidence: the continued degradation of forest reserves and water bodies.

The persistence of galamsey indicates systemic challenges that transcend individual leadership. It suggests that legislative frameworks, enforcement mechanisms, and economic incentives driving illegal mining require more than just a change in personnel to be resolved.

Practical Advice

For readers seeking to understand the implications of these statements or looking to engage with the issue of illegal mining, the following practical insights are relevant:

Understanding Environmental Policy

To grasp the severity of the galamsey issue, citizens should monitor the health of local water bodies and forest reserves. The visibility of turbidity (muddy water) in rivers is a direct indicator of upstream mining activity. Understanding this helps in verifying political claims against reality.

Political Accountability

Voters and stakeholders should recognize the difference between political scoring and policy outcomes. While politicians may avoid rating each other directly, the tangible results—such as water quality and land rehabilitation—speak volumes. When evaluating government efficiency, focus on verifiable environmental data rather than partisan rhetoric.

Engaging with Governance

Citizens concerned about the fight against illegal mining can engage with environmental NGOs, participate in town hall meetings, and utilize information from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Holding the government accountable involves consistent monitoring of campaign promises versus delivered results.

FAQ

Conclusion

Samuel Abu Jinapor’s recent comments serve as a reminder that while political leadership changes, the structural challenges of environmental protection remain constant. By declining to rate his successor personally, he upholds a standard of political courtesy. However, his blunt assessment of the galamsey crisis acts as a wake-up call. The continued degradation of Ghana’s natural resources suggests that the current strategies against illegal mining require re-evaluation. Ultimately, the efficiency of the Lands Ministry is best measured not by political debates, but by the tangible restoration of the nation’s forests and water bodies.

Sources

• Life Pulse Daily: “I will not charge the lands minister’s efficiency, however…” — Published January 15, 2026.
• PleasureNews: Interview with Samuel Abu Jinapor.
• Multimedia Group Limited: Original news reporting and transcripts.