NPP Slams Mahama Over Worsening Galamsey Crisis

Npp Galamsey Press

Today, Accra, Ghana – The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has accused President John Dramani Mahama and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) of failing to demonstrate a genuine commitment to tackling the menace of illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey. The allegations were made by the NPP’s Director of Communications, Richard Ahiagbah, during a press conference held in Accra on March 26, 2025.

Ahiagbah asserted that the recent surge in galamsey activities bears a striking resemblance to the situation in 2016 when President Mahama was in office. He suggested that the leniency of the current administration has emboldened illegal miners, many of whom he claimed have links to the NDC.

“The resurgence of galamsey is no coincidence. It is the same scenario we witnessed in 2016 under Mahama’s leadership. The current administration’s failure to act decisively has given NDC operatives free rein to engage in illegal mining,” Ahiagbah stated.

The NPP spokesperson further criticized what he described as a shift in focus from environmental protection and anti-corruption measures to the persecution of political opponents. According to him, this approach undermines democracy and threatens the country’s natural resources.

“Our environment is being sacrificed, and our democratic rights are under attack. This is an issue that requires collective action, and we must all stand against it,” he urged.

Ahiagbah’s remarks follow earlier criticisms he made regarding the worsening galamsey situation. Earlier in March, he accused the NDC of propagating a “pro-galamsey message,” which he claimed has emboldened illegal miners and worsened the crisis.

He called on Ghanaians to speak out against the destruction of the environment and urged President Mahama to take urgent steps to curb the menace.

The press conference has added to ongoing debates about illegal mining and the government’s role in addressing the crisis.