Dennis Miracles Aboagye, a member of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), has called on President John Dramani Mahama to take bold and decisive measures to end the growing menace of illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey.
According to the Spokesperson for former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the President’s sincerity in expressing that he is not personally involved in illegal mining is commendable, but his inaction in dealing firmly with those within his party who are complicit in the practice makes him partly responsible for the worsening situation.
In a sharp critique of the government’s handling of illegal mining, Miracles Aboagye expressed concern about the devastating environmental and social consequences of galamsey, including pollution of water bodies, destruction of farmlands, and threats to livelihoods.
While he said he believed President Mahama’s assertion that he is not personally benefiting from illegal mining, he stressed that the President’s credibility and leadership would be judged by the actions he takes against those within his own political circles who perpetuate the practice.
“Mr. President, I believe you, just as Nana Addo was not personally involved in galamsey and did not personally benefit from galamsey. I have 100% trust that you are not personally involved. But some of your key party members and Members of Parliament are involved”.
Dennis Miracles Aboagye
He cited instances where he claimed some members of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) have been directly implicated in illegal mining activities.
“Your party chairman in Upper Denkyira East is involved and captured fighting your military men you sent to stop them. You have a petition on your desk from the Aowin Traditional Council pointing fingers at the NDC Aowin MP”.
Dennis Miracles Aboagye
The NPP communicator noted that the persistent involvement of influential figures within the ruling party undermines the government’s credibility and weakens public confidence in its fight against illegal mining.
He argued that the President’s failure to decisively address these allegations amounts to complicity. “Your reluctance in implementing the exact things you preached for and captured in your campaign as your strategy and promises in dealing with galamsey makes you complicit,” he added.
Gold Purchase Program
Miracles Aboagye also criticised the government’s policy of purchasing gold from small-scale miners—regardless of whether their operations are legal or illegal—saying the move provides a financial incentive that fuels galamsey. “You are enabling galamsey due to your decision to buy gold from them whether legally or illegally. You are giving them a ready market,” he said.
He further referenced the government’s own commitments to combating illegal mining, particularly point 19 of what the administration described as its “Social Contract” upon assuming office.
That section of the document outlined measures aimed at curbing environmental degradation, including a pledge to “ban illegal and new mining activities in forest reserves and roll out the Tree for Life and Blue Water Initiatives.” According to Aboagye, failure to implement these commitments has contributed to the resurgence of galamsey across the country.
He urged President Mahama to fully operationalise the six-point strategy outlined in the NDC’s 2024 manifesto to deal with illegal mining, arguing that those policies—if genuinely implemented—could provide a strong framework for sustainable mining and environmental conservation.
“Mr. President, you will have witnesses to attest to your effort in fighting illegal mining if you start implementing these promises. But the longer you delay, the harder it will be to convince Ghanaians that you are truly committed to the fight”.
Dennis Miracles Aboagye
The NPP spokesperson maintained that illegal mining has evolved into a complex national crisis that requires more than speeches and symbolic gestures.
He urged the President to demonstrate political will by sanctioning officials found to be complicit and empowering law enforcement agencies to operate without fear or political interference.
Miracles Aboagye acknowledged that successive governments, including that of former President Akufo-Addo, faced challenges in combating illegal mining, but said lessons from those experiences should guide the current administration to adopt more effective and transparent approaches. “We need you to take new decisive actions so we can all back you to succeed,” he appealed.
According to him, President Mahama stands at a crucial juncture where his leadership will be measured not only by policy intentions but by tangible actions that show a clear break from political protectionism in the mining sector.
Mr. Aboagye underscored that ending galamsey requires collective effort but insisted that such unity of purpose can only emerge if the President leads decisively.
He added that decisive leadership on this issue would not only help restore Ghana’s degraded environment but also earn President Mahama broad public support across political divides.
As illegal mining continues to threaten Ghana’s environment and water systems, Miracles Aboagye’s remarks echo the growing public demand for stronger leadership and non-partisan commitment in tackling one of the country’s most pressing environmental challenges.
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