Richard Anning, a member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has accused President John Dramani Mahama of applying double standards in the fight against illegal mining, arguing that the government’s approach contradicts its earlier commitment to making galamsey a thing of the past.
Speaking on Plan B FM’s EBAANOSEN show, hosted by Ohene Kinnah, Richard Anning questioned the President’s commitment to ending illegal mining, recalling his campaign promise to eradicate the menace and expressing concern about what he described as a shift in the government’s approach.
According to him, the government’s introduction of reclamation insurance and related arrangements for mining activities suggests a departure from the initial objective of stopping illegal mining. He argued that the focus appears to be shifting from preventing galamsey to reclaiming degraded lands after mining activities have taken place.
Mr Anning explained that reclamation insurance allows mining operators to obtain insurance coverage or guarantees intended to provide for the restoration of damaged land. However, he questioned why such arrangements should be promoted when the government had promised to eliminate illegal mining.
He argued that the policy could create the impression that people can continue mining as long as they have the necessary insurance arrangements, with taxpayers potentially bearing the cost of reclaiming damaged lands. He maintained that the priority should be preventing environmental destruction rather than relying on rehabilitation after the damage has occurred.
Mr Anning also criticised what he described as inconsistencies in the government’s response to illegal mining, citing alleged instances in which political figures have questioned or challenged security personnel carrying out their duties in mining areas. He argued that such conduct undermines the fight against galamsey and raises questions about the government’s commitment to enforcing the law.
He further accused the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) of taking a different position on illegal mining while in government from the stance it adopted in opposition. He maintained that the government should demonstrate a consistent commitment to tackling the menace instead of making what he considers politically motivated statements.
Mr Anning concluded that President Mahama’s approach does not reflect the decisive action needed to end illegal mining, insisting that the government must prioritise stopping galamsey rather than shifting its focus to reclaiming destroyed lands. He said his criticism was based on what he described as a contradiction between the President’s earlier promises and the policies being pursued by his administration.
By: Ernest Kumi
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