CDM slams GoldBod budget as ‘greed over green’ in galamsey fight

The Centre for Democratic Movement (CDM) has criticized the Mahama administration. They are upset about the allocation of US$279 million to the Ghana Gold Board (GOLDBOD). This money is meant for gold purchases. However, no funds were allocated for land or river reclamation efforts.

CDM claims this decision prioritizes revenue over environmental restoration. They describe it as a “deliberate policy choice” that harms Ghana’s environment. The group believes the lack of funding for recovery shows the administration's true intent.

“Promises without funding are lies,” CDM stated. They believe the budget reveals this truth. The group accused the government of moral bankruptcy. They argue that a state-funded gold agency cannot ignore environmental destruction.

“This is a cruel irony,” CDM noted. A body benefiting from mining should not overlook its environmental impact. The failure to pair gold procurement with reclamation funding is unjust and unacceptable.

CDM added that the administration has lost its moral right to discuss environmental protection. They demand public disclosure of illegal mining concessions. They also want a nationwide moratorium on mining in water bodies and a parliamentary inquiry into galamsey handling.

“If President Mahama cannot act to save our rivers, he is no different from those destroying them,” declared the group.