In a surprising turn of events, Dr. Clement Apaak, the Deputy Minister Designate for Education, has eaten his words, acknowledging that his past criticism of the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia administration’s handling of galamsey was overly harsh.
Clement Apaak’s mea culpa came during his vetting before Parliament’s Appointments Committee on Tuesday, February 25, 2025.
Clement Apaak’s initial criticism, made on social media ahead of the 2024 general elections, accused the government of enabling illegal mining and benefiting from the practice.
However, during the vetting, Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin referred to the remarks, prompting Apaak to concede that his comments were “too hard” and excessive.
Clement Apaak’s willingness to take responsibility for his words is a significant departure from his previous stance.
He stated, “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.”
This acknowledgment is a marked shift from his earlier criticism, which was characterized as accusatory and confrontational.
In a previous article, he questioned the government’s handling of the free Senior High School (SHS) policy, accusing them of mismanaging funds and failing to meet their obligations.
-BY Daniel Bampoe
