Deputy Minister Designate for Education Dr. Clement Apaak has admitted that his previous criticism of the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia administration’s approach to illegal mining, or galamsey, was unduly harsh.
During his vetting before Parliament’s Appointments Committee on Tuesday, February 25, 2025, Dr. Apaak acknowledged that his remarks were, looking back, “too hard” and over the top.
Prior to the general elections in 2024, he first criticized the government on social media for allegedly supporting and profiting from illegal mining.
Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin brought up the comments during the vetting process and requested that Dr. Apaak elaborate on his position.
“Given the context provided, it is only fair and appropriate that I concede that I was rather too excessive in blaming an entire government for the infractions of a few,” he stated.
Additionally, he stated that he was prepared to accept responsibility for his remarks, adding, “Given my responses so far, I would admit so.”
