New Patriotic Party (NPP) communications team member Jamaludeen A. Abdullah has challenged President John Dramani Mahama to explain what he describes as a failure to fulfil campaign promises to tackle illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.
Mr Abdullah questioned the President’s commitment to the fight against illegal mining, arguing that the practice continues to cause extensive environmental destruction despite assurances made to Ghanaians ahead of the 2024 elections.
Speaking to Isaac Addae on Morning Starr on Starr FM, he said galamsey had existed for years but accused the current government of failing to curb its spread as promised.
He alleged that political messaging during the opposition period encouraged illegal miners to view enforcement measures as threats to their livelihoods, adding that the government’s current approach had failed to reverse the environmental damage.
“Mr President, if you knew you wouldn’t fight galamsey, why did you mislead Ghanaians?” he asked.
Mr Abdullah also accused some political party executives and government appointees of engaging in illegal mining, claiming that the activities continued openly in several communities
READ: Free SHS not enough to justify NPP’s development record – Fieve
He further alleged that political interference had undermined enforcement efforts, claiming that some Members of Parliament contacted security officers following the arrest of suspected illegal miners.
According to him, the situation has contributed to worsening conditions in the country’s water bodies, with illegal mining activities reportedly extending to areas around schools and residential communities.
Mr Abdullah also criticised what he described as a lack of support for community mining initiatives, arguing that political considerations had undermined efforts to regulate mining activities.
He questioned the government’s ability to fulfil its promises to protect the environment and enforce measures against illegal mining.
Story By: Pamela Quayson
