The illegal mining crisis, commonly known as galamsey, has reached a “catastrophic point,” according to Richard Ahiagbah, the Director of Communications for the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
Accordingly, he has launched a scathing attack on the National Democratic Congress (NDC), accusing the ruling party of deliberately undermining efforts to combat the menace and showing blatant disregard for the country’s environmental future.
Ahiagbah alleged that key NDC officials are turning a blind eye to galamsey activities which have emboldened illegal miners to continue their destruction of Ghana’s natural resources without fear of consequence.
“The audacity is mind-blowing. An NDC chairman has the audacity to block security forces from protecting our national resources simply because he ‘wasn’t called’.”
Richard Ahiagbah
Ahiagbah strongly criticized the NDC’s alleged involvement in illegal mining, accusing the party of exploiting Ghana’s forest reserves for financial gain.
He argued that this behavior reflects a reckless disregard for the environment and national interest.
He went further to describe the situation as environmental terrorism, asserting that known NDC operatives are systematically encroaching on protected forest reserves for personal enrichment.
According to him, the issue transcends politics and directly threatens Ghana’s future.
He expressed concern over the apparent complicity of certain officials, emphasizing that those entrusted with protecting the nation’s natural resources are instead enabling illegal mining activities.
The widespread destruction caused by galamsey—including polluted water bodies, deforestation, and severe land degradation—continues to devastate local communities, underscoring the urgent need for decisive action.
Where Is The Leadership?
Richard Ahiagbah delivered a sharp critique of the government, particularly condemning what he sees as a troubling lack of action from President John Dramani Mahama.
He pointed out that despite Mahama’s strong campaign promises to tackle illegal mining, his administration has remained noticeably silent on the issue.
“What is even more alarming is the deafening silence from the current leadership,” he remarked, emphasizing that Mahama’s pledge to combat galamsey now appears to have been abandoned.
Ahiagbah argued that this inaction not only undermines the credibility of the president but also raises serious concerns about the government’s commitment to protecting Ghana’s environment.
He stressed that illegal mining continues to ravage the country’s natural resources, and without decisive leadership, the situation will only worsen.
“Not a single directive or statement about the state of our water bodies or forest reserves has emerged from the presidency. What happened to the call on former President Akufo-Addo to declare a state of emergency?”
Richard Ahiagbah
Ahiagbah’s criticism reflects growing frustration among Ghanaians who had hoped for stronger leadership in the fight against illegal mining.
Many citizens have raised concerns over the devastating environmental and economic impact of galamsey, with communities struggling to access clean water as rivers and lakes are heavily polluted with mercury and other hazardous chemicals.
The NPP’s Communications Director praised civil society leaders like Dr. Kenneth Ashigbey, convenor of the Media Foundation Against Illegal Mining, for their unwavering commitment to the fight against galamsey.
He emphasized that Ghana’s environmental crisis should not be treated as a partisan issue but rather as a collective responsibility. “This is not just political misconduct, it’s a direct assault on our continuous survival as a people.”
Ahiagbah called for immediate action to halt illegal mining activities, stressing that the government must enforce stricter measures to crack down on those responsible for the destruction of Ghana’s natural resources.
As Ghana grapples with the worsening effects of galamsey, the debate over which political party is truly committed to ending the menace continues to rage.
However, what remains undisputed is that the consequences of inaction will be severe and long-lasting.
Without urgent intervention, Ghana risks losing vast tracts of its natural landscape, further endangering water security, biodiversity, and livelihoods.
