Mr Joseph Whittal, the Commissioner of the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), has issued a sharp critique of President Akufo-Addo's approach to tackling illegal mining, widely known in Ghana as "galamsey."

In an interview with the BBC, Mr. Whittal expressed his profound disappointment with the President’s failure to deliver on his promise to combat the destructive practice, which continues to devastate Ghana's environment and poses serious health risks to the public.

"The Commission feels so disappointed in the fight against galamsey and artisanal mining," Mr. Whittal stated. "We are disappointed that no less a person than the President would put his presidency on the line.

Presidents don’t promise and fail on their promises.

For what has happened, which has dire implications for the health of so many Ghanaians, I must say, the government and the President have disappointed Ghanaians."

Mr. Whittal endorsed calls for a state of emergency to be declared in response to the escalating crisis, highlighting the urgent need for action.

“I have heard some people call on the President to declare a state of emergency, and I actually subscribe to that," he noted.

"Why wait? If you look at the pollution and the effects it is already having… it appears the government seems unconcerned and is ignoring all these worrying trends.

I don’t understand."

He urged President Akufo-Addo to take decisive action before the end of his term, stating, "If you win the people’s vote, you are supposed to work for them.

This is a disappointment from the government and from the President, who has a lot of human rights credentials.

He should do something before leaving power."