In discussing the progress of the galamsey fight, the Communications Director of the New Patriotic Party Dennis Miracles Aboagye has accused the NDC government of failing to fulfill its promises to curb illegal mining.

He contends that despite the administration’s repeated assurances before the 2024 general elections, the devastation associated with illegal mining has intensified, raising questions about the effectiveness of its interventions.

Speaking on the government’s handling of the galamsey menace, Mr Aboagye challenged attempts to attribute the country’s persistent mining challenges to the previous Akufo-Addo administration. He argues that the NDC presented illegal mining as “a problem that could be resolved through a change of government” but is yet to demonstrate the decisive action it promised.

“The Galamsey situation always worsens when NDC comes to power. The level of Galamsey devastation going on in this country, this country has never seen it before.”
Dennis Miracles Aboagye

The NPP Communications Director recalled the pressure mounted on the Akufo-Addo government before the 2024 elections, including demonstrations in Accra and demands for a state of emergency to address illegal mining. He further referenced an undertaking signed by Dr Mahamudu Bawumia in December 2024, which he presented as evidence that the the Vice President was pressed to commit to tackling the menace.

According to Mr Aboagye, galamsey became a significant electoral issue because the NDC convinced voters that the previous administration was responsible for the problem and that its departure “would bring an end to illegal mining.” He therefore characterised the current situation as “a failure to deliver on a central campaign promise” asserting that the government has not implemented even half of the measures undertaken by its predecessor.

In comparing the two administrations, he cited Operation Vanguard, Operation Galamstop, community mining schemes and the introduction of more than 100 mercury-free machines as interventions pursued under the Akufo-Addo government. He also challenged the current administration to identify comparable regulatory, enforcement and reform measures beyond the repeal of the legislative instrument that permitted mining in forest reserves under specified conditions.

Mr Aboagye further questioned the effectiveness of that repeal, maintaining that removing the legal provision has not stopped illegal mining in forest reserves. “It doesn’t make sense,” he remarked, disputing the suggestion that the legislation was the principal cause of illegal mining in protected areas.

Turning to the administration’s present commitments, he criticised the absence of a comprehensive strategy capable of matching its campaign rhetoric. He also questioned the government’s decision to establish a formal gold-buying arrangement, alleging that it creates a market for gold produced through illegal mining.

NPP Communications Director Alleges Political Protection for Illegal Miners

Meanwhile, NPP Communications Director Dennis Miracles Aboagye also accused some NDC constituency executives and local government officials of facilitating illegal mining activities in parts of the country.

He disclosed that political affiliations and the involvement of influential local figures have undermined enforcement efforts, making it difficult to contain galamsey despite the government’s public commitments to eliminate the practice.

Expanding on his criticism of the administration’s response, Mr Aboagye disputed the suggestion that illegal mining is primarily an activity involving ordinary residents of mining communities.

“I have voice notes where NDC executives on their WhatsApp platforms were fighting over who has control over Galamsey and who can protect them. It is not Ghanaians who are doing Galamsey; it is NDC members and NDC officials.”
Dennis Miracles Aboagye

The NPP Communications Director referenced the 74 districts he identified as mining areas, claiming that approximately 80% of the NDC executives who recently won constituency elections in those areas have secured support by assuring party members that they would facilitate or protect illegal mining activities.

Mr Aboagye also cited examples involving constituency officials in Ayensuano, Upper Denkyira East and Abuakwa South. In Akwatia, he accused a constituency chairman of engaging in illegal mining, while referencing an incident in Upper Denkyira East in which a constituency chairman allegedly confronted a military officer during an enforcement operation.

He further recalled comments by the Municipal Chief Executive of Abuakwa South at the Public Accounts Committee, which he interpreted as an admission that the son of a constituency chairman was involved in galamsey within the area. These references, he asserted, demonstrate the extent to which political connections could compromise efforts to enforce mining regulations.

Beyond constituency-level involvement, Mr Aboagye alleged that “certain local government officials have gone beyond collecting unauthorised payments from miners to providing official vehicles and other forms of protection for illegal operations.” He also disclosed that some officials have acquired concessions in areas where mining activities have not been properly licensed or regulated.

The NPP Communications Director also referenced a media investigation involving a district-level official whom he accused of enabling galamsey, questioning why the individual is currently in office despite the allegations. He added that the government’s response should not be limited to stopping unauthorised payments at district assemblies, but should address other forms of official involvement.