Director of Communications of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Richard Ahiagbah has accused President John Dramani Mahama and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) for worsening illegal mining (galamsey) activities in the country.
According to him, the NDC’s pro galamsey message during their campaign ahead of the December 7, 2024 elections has emboldened illegal miners to rebel against the government’s fight against galamsey.
“The fight against galamsey is worsening. The galamseyers bought into the NDC’s pro-galamsey message and now want their pound of flesh,” he stated.
He expressed concern over the destruction of the environment and urged government to quickly intervene and control the rate at which illegal small-scale mining (Galamsey) is destroying the water bodies.
Ahiagbah notes that it serves nobody’s purpose to destroy the environment hence the need to speak out against the destruction.
Rasing his concern on X, he wrote, “It serves nobody’s purpose to destroy our environment. Let’s speak out against the destruction…. President John Dramani Mahama must lead to curb this menace. Just look at this….”
His post follows A fierce standoff erupted between officials of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) and a government advisory team in the Central and Western regions as authorities moved to seize illegal mining (galamsey) equipment.
The confrontation occurred when the advisory team, on a fact finding mission to curb environmental destruction as a result of illegal mining, visited some illegal mining sites in Anwia (near Nkroful), Prestea, and Dunkwa, and seized pumping machines, generators, and excavators.
However, the operation took a dramatic turn in Dunkwa when furious miners, led by the NDC Constituency Chairman, rallied against the government team. Backed by enraged residents, the NDC official accused the task force of not informing local authorities before undertaking the exercise.
With tensions at a boiling point, angry protesters including galamsey operators blocked roads and confronted heavily armed security personnel, threatening a full-blown showdown. Aerial surveillance further revealed shocking illegal excavations dangerously close to Dunkwa’s main bridge, sparking more outrage.
In Baduwa No.2, Upper Denkyira East District, the task force uncovered massive environmental devastation caused by unchecked illegal mining along the Offin River. Residents, caught between frustration and fear, accused the government of failing to stop the destruction, even as enforcement efforts intensified.
Despite the hostile resistance, the advisory team, led by Rear Admiral (Rtd) Moses Beick-Baffour, vowed to press on with its mission to advise the government on galamsey policies and strengthen future crackdowns.
As the battle over illegal mining rages on, this latest confrontation underscores the deepening political and social tensions surrounding galamsey enforcement, raising tough questions about governance, local complicity, and the future of Ghana’s natural resources.
See post:
The fight against galamsey is worsening. The galamseyers bought into the NDC’s pro-galamsey message and now want their pound of flesh.
It serves nobody’s purpose to destroy our environment. Let’s speak out against the destruction….
President John Dramani Mahama must lead to… pic.twitter.com/myHWy7urat
— Richard Ahiagbah (@RAahiagbah) March 5, 2025
