Dennis Miracles Aboagye, Director of Communications for the 2024 Bawumia Campaign Team, has launched a scathing critique of the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, following the latter’s tearful response to illegal mining devastation in the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve.
At a recent press briefing, Minister Buah became visibly emotional, pausing mid-speech to wipe away tears as he described the appalling state of the forest.
Once a thriving ecosystem, the reserve has been reduced to a desolate wasteland, with streams choked by mud and wildlife driven away by the destructive operations of illegal miners.
The emotional moment stirred public sympathy, but not everyone was moved.
Speaking on Channel One TV on Tuesday, April 22, Miracles Aboagye dismissed the Minister’s display as unproductive and symbolic of helplessness rather than leadership. “Whoever directed the minister to cry did him a disservice,” he said. “We didn’t vote for you to go and cry.”
Aboagye went on to recall Armah-Kofi Buah’s own rhetoric during his time in opposition, particularly his bold criticism of former President Akufo-Addo’s approach to galamsey.
“This is a man who told the then-president that his governance would be remembered as a failure — and that they [the NDC] had the solutions. Now that you have the mandate, you cry instead of act?”
He further referenced earlier NDC claims — including one from MP Sam George — that galamsey could be ended in just a week if the government had the political will.
“So what happened to all that confidence? If you’re now in power and you’re breaking down in tears, what are Ghanaians supposed to feel? It only breeds hopelessness.”
The comment has sparked debate across political and civil platforms, with some supporting the minister’s emotional authenticity, while others echo Miracles Aboagye’s call for more decisive leadership in the fight against illegal mining.
