Yaw Nsarkoh, who previously led Unilever operations in Ghana and Nigeria, has delivered a sharp critique of Ghana’s governance structure, linking persistent environmental challenges to broader administrative weaknesses. According to MyJoyOnline, he addressed a gathering hosted by JoyNews and An Amalgam of Professionals in Accra on Tuesday, October 20. The former corporate executive argued that the country’s inability to manage illegal mining and seasonal flooding reflects a systemic failure to address root causes. He described the situation as evidence of a political system that frequently responds to crises after they occur rather than preventing them.
Nsarkoh highlighted the continued destruction of water bodies by galamsey, which he termed a "wanton ecocide" that endangers future generations. He noted that pollution spreads while successive governments struggle to halt the practice. MyJoyOnline reported that he also pointed to land administration issues in Accra, citing demolitions and developments that obstruct waterways as contributors to recurring floods. He observed a familiar pattern where public anger mounts during heavy rains, only to fade when the weather improves, leaving underlying problems unresolved for the next rainy season.
In a separate segment of his address, Nsarkoh questioned the state’s approach to freedom of expression. He contrasted the government’s struggle to contain illegal miners with its apparent urgency in pursuing individuals over controversial social media posts. The former Unilever executive challenged authorities to justify the use of serious criminal charges, such as treason, against citizens for online comments while environmental threats persist. He warned that this focus on "political vigilantism" could make citizens afraid to criticize those in authority, risking institutional stagnation.
Despite his critique, Nsarkoh acknowledged the need for social discipline, arguing that democracy should not be equated with disorder. He urged for a governance model that balances lawful accountability with the protection of legitimate criticism. His remarks suggest that a more serious approach to long-term citizen wellbeing is needed, prioritizing structural fixes over temporary political reactions. The former Unilever executive emphasized that institutions must accommodate feedback to avoid becoming rigid and unresponsive to the public’s evolving needs.