The General Secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Justin Kodua Frimpong, has accused the Mahama-led administration of worsening the illegal mining menace, popularly known as galamsey, across the country.
Speaking at a press conference, Mr Kodua said the current state of galamsey under President John Dramani Mahama’s government has deteriorated compared to what existed under the previous NPP administration.
“Any reasonable person in this country will know that the state of galamsey is worse than it was in the NPP administration,” he stated, expressing disappointment at the government’s inability to tackle the issue effectively.
He alleged that several members of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) are themselves involved in illegal mining, making it difficult for security agencies to enforce the law.
“You have members of parliament who belong to the NDC, you have national officers from the NDC, the region, constituencies, and even their branch who are involved in galamsey,” he claimed.
“It’s not surprising that the security agencies are struggling to deal with that issue because when they make efforts, they are threatened by powers that be in this government.”
Mr Kodua maintained that the NPP, unlike the current administration, has always demonstrated a genuine commitment to fighting galamsey and protecting the environment. He noted that the party is willing to collaborate with the Mahama government if there is a sincere effort to address the problem.
“Because we care so much about this country, we mean well for this country,” he emphasised. “If His Excellency President John Mahama sees the need and the reason to reach out to us for a proper roundtable discussion to combat this menace once and for all, we are ready.”
Mr Kodua concluded that President Mahama must take bold and decisive action if he truly intends to win the fight against illegal mining.
“From the way things are going, it’s clear that His Excellency John Mahama is still losing the fight against galamsey,” he concluded.
