A member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Nana Boakye Yiadom, has accused the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government of failing to demonstrate genuine commitment to the fight against illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.
Speaking on Nkosuosɛm on Plan B 104.5 FM, hosted by Obidehyie Kofi Sekyi, Nana Boakye Yadom said the government had disappointed Ghanaians by failing to take decisive steps to address the menace.
He questioned why the government had not declared a state of emergency in galamsey-affected areas, recalling that some NDC members had previously called on former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to take similar action during his administration.
According to him, the current government must be held accountable for its handling of illegal mining, arguing that political parties must demonstrate consistency in their approach to tackling the menace.
Nana Boakye Yadom also called for an immediate suspension of mining activities across the country, insisting that all small-scale mining operators should be directed to lay down their tools to protect the environment.
He further raised concerns about alleged political and family connections to mining activities, questioning whether the government could effectively tackle galamsey if individuals linked to influential political figures were involved in the sector.
Citing an alleged incident involving a mining concession in the Northern Region, where a security officer was reportedly killed and eight others injured during a confrontation, he questioned the government’s ability to address illegal mining amid such developments.
The NPP member alleged that political interests and financial gains were being prioritised over environmental protection, particularly in the destruction of water bodies and forest reserves.
He maintained that the fight against galamsey required genuine political commitment and decisive action rather than promises and political accusations.
He urged the government to take concrete measures to protect the country’s natural resources and safeguard the health of communities affected by illegal mining.
By: Rafael Narh
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