Presidential Candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama has criticized the current government for lacking the political will to effectively combat illegal mining, commonly known as “Galamsey”.
Speaking during an engagement with the Western Regional House of Chiefs in Sekondi, Mr. Mahama expressed concerns that despite the widespread damage caused by illegal mining to the environment, particularly to water bodies and forest reserves, the government’s efforts to address the issue have been insufficient.
He argued that while successive administrations, including his own have made attempts to regulate the sector, the current government has failed to take decisive action citing most government appointees and party executives are engaged to in the menace.
“When you look at illegal mining, the will to fight it is not there. People who are strongly linked to this government are engaged in it. Their Chief Executives, Members of Parliament and Ministers have gold concessions used for the illegal mining. And what they say to defend it is that ‘the party needs money’ so everyone has gotten involved. That is why I have pledged not to involve any miners in the next government I lead,” Mr. Mahama said.
He added that if it is established that any appointee of his is engaged in illegal mining, he will not hesitate to sack them.
The former president pledged to work closely with traditional authorities to combat the menace adding that, there is the need for collaborative efforts to safeguard the environment and water bodies.
