Abu Jinapor criticizes growing number of advisors in Mahama government - Metro TV Online

Former Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel Abu Jinapor, criticized the growing number of technical advisors in the Mahama government. He called this trend a burden on the country.

Speaking to journalists in Parliament last Friday, he expressed concern about the rising number of presidential staffers and advisors. He compared it to special assistants appointed during former President John Agyekum Kufuor’s administration. Civil society organizations have previously warned about the financial strain from such appointments.

Mr. Jinapor noted that there are now technical advisors for ministers, PROs, and heads of departments across various ministries and local assemblies. He emphasized that this could put a significant burden on the national budget.

He also discussed the ongoing controversy over worker dismissals. The Minority Caucus in Parliament is taking this issue seriously. Mr. Jinapor argued that the government should create more jobs instead of terminating employment based on political affiliations.

Regarding small-scale mining, he highlighted its importance and mentioned plans for a Gold Board to regulate the sector. He raised questions about how this board would work with existing regulatory bodies like the Minerals Commission and PMMC.

Mr. Jinapor asked how effective the Gold Board would be in regulating small-scale mining. He urged careful scrutiny of the proposed bill before its passage. While acknowledging efforts to centralize gold trade, he stressed addressing issues like gold smuggling.

He stated that gold's small quantities make it easy to smuggle and questioned who grants export licenses under the new system proposed by the government.

On illegal small-scale mining (galamsey), Mr. Jinapor admitted it is a worsening crisis. He linked its escalation to political entitlement among party supporters who feel entitled to mine without regulation.

He lamented that ruling party members are taking over forest reserves for indiscriminate mining activities. Regarding calls for a state of emergency to address illegal mining, he recognized its severity but urged careful consideration of implications.

Mr. Jinapor reminded the government of its previous commitment to declare a state of emergency in mining districts and urged them to fulfill their promises.

As a leading member of the Minority, Mr. Jinapor stressed opposition oversight's importance in democracy. He reassured Ghanaians that they remain committed to holding the government accountable on economic recovery and governance issues.

While acknowledging that the new administration has not reached its 100th day in office, he called for patience but urged constructive criticism from all sides. “If the government succeeds, it benefits all of Ghana,” he concluded.