Yh, so today is Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah’s Memorial Day. As we remember a man who dedicated himself to the development of his country, despite his flaws, I would also like to use this moment to write an open letter. I will call it an open letter to the President of Ghana, who is now gradually earning a new nickname: IP Mahama, as some of his fellow citizens affectionately calls him.
Dear H.E. Mahama / I.P. Mahama,
I hope this open letter finds you in good spirits and with hope for our dear country, Ghana.
I have watched and observed that you need help, not just you, but your ministers as well, in running this country. I know, as a man, you are burdened with the desire to leave a legacy so that your name will be remembered one day. But as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once said, “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.”
I believe that this moment, when your administration is at war with its own speeches and comments when in opposition; hate speeches, economic challenges, galamsey, and internal conflicts, will determine your ultimate measure as a man.
That is why I write this, not to criticize or spread hate, but to propose actionable solutions that can help curb galamsey (illegal mining). Later, I will bring other ideas that could help our country develop.
- Mr. President, your government must first identify national priorities
These priorities must align with national interests and trickle down to real national development. So, I ask: What exactly do you want your government to solve within these four years? (Education, employment, illegal mining, health, roads and infrastructure, etc.) - Since my focus now is on illegal mining, I propose the “3 I’s” strategy. The military alone cannot stop galamsey—it only creates tension between civilians and the government, which is counterproductive to development. The idea of “water body guards” should come only after the “3 I’s” have been implemented. Here’s a breakdown:
a. The first “I” – Identification
The government should:
- Identify all areas where illegal mining is ongoing.
-Conduct ethnographic studies to identify potential job opportunities in those areas. - Map out exactly where these opportunities can be implemented within those communities.
b. The second “I” – Industrialization
After identification, government must industrialize those areas. - In farming regions: Set up food processing industries (government-owned) to provide jobs for the youth.
- In non-farming regions: Establish practical, relevant industries that attract and employ local youth.
Since this is a priority, the government can dedicate 1–2 years to fully develop this phase.
c. The third “I” – Introduction and Implementation
Once industries are set up, introduce the communities to the work. Work closely with chiefs and opinion leaders to ensure community engagement. Prioritize employment for the galamsey boys and girls first, followed by other youth in the community. Ensure the industries are fully operationalized and sustainable.
After successfully implementing the “3 I’s” , only then should military or water guards be deployed, to maintain order and ensure communities don’t return to illegal mining.
Mr. President, try this strategy and let’s see how it goes. Remember: when God said, “Let there be light,”in the story of creation, darkness disappeared. The solution is not always to fight darkness, but to create light that replaces it.On this note, I wish you a reflective and purposeful Memorial Day.Yours faithfully,
BY Stephen Awuah-Pobi (21st September, 2025)
Akyem Hemang
Fanteakwa South
