NPP communicator Dennis Miracles Aboagye has accused President John Mahama of politicizing Ghana’s illegal mining menace, galamsey, for political gain.
Aboagye argued that Mahama and his allies deliberately politicized the issue, using it as a tool to attack the Akufo-Addo administration.
He accused them of making exaggerated and sensational claims to mislead the public, creating a false narrative for political gain ahead of the elections.
“Against all wise counsel, you [President Mahama] milked it, lied on former President Akufo-Addo, his Vice-President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, and his government, called them thieves and galamseyers, and swore that you know for a fact it is the President himself and his officials involved in the Galamsey criminality.”
Dennis Miracles Aboagye
He further alleged that Mahama irresponsibly assured illegal miners that they would face no consequences for their actions under his administration.
According to Aboagye, Mahama openly promised to release individuals who had been arrested, tried, and convicted for engaging in illegal mining if he regained power.
He criticized Mahama for what he described as reckless political pandering, accusing him of prioritizing votes over environmental protection.
Aboagye also criticized statements made by leading NDC members, who once suggested that any committed president could end galamsey in just one week.
He pointed out the contradiction in Mahama’s pledge to use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to combat illegal mining while still deploying security personnel into the forests to fight galamsey operators.
“Suffice to ask, what are you doing with physical force then in the forest and risking the lives of our security operatives? Is that AI deployed?”
Dennis Miracles Aboagye
Escalation of Galamsey Activities
Furthermore, Dennis Aboagye expressed disappointment, stating that the previous NPP administration had repeatedly cautioned Mahama and the NDC against politicizing the issue of illegal mining.
He emphasized that these warnings were not merely political rhetoric but genuine concerns about the long-term consequences for the country.
He argued that despite being advised against using galamsey as a political tool, the NDC deliberately ignored the warnings, prioritizing their quest for power over the nation’s welfare.
According to him, this approach has led to devastating consequences for Ghana, affecting both the environment and the economy.
“Two weeks to an election, you were calling for the government to shut down the country and declare a state of emergency. You did this not because you sincerely wanted Galamsey to end but simply because you felt it was your way of making the government unpopular so you win an election.”
Dennis Miracles Aboagye
Aboagye also asserted that the recent surge in illegal mining is a direct consequence of Mahama’s past actions.
He argued that in just 90 days, galamsey activities had intensified at an alarming rate, resulting in violent confrontations between illegal miners and security personnel.
He emphasized that the nation is now bearing the brunt of what he described as Mahama’s reckless approach to the issue.
According to him, illegal miners have grown increasingly emboldened, resorting to violence against security forces, wielding weapons, and attacking officers in ways never seen before.
Aboagye questioned the impact of Mahama’s actions, asking, “What have you done to us? What have you brought upon the nation?”
Aboagye Pledges NPP’s Collaboration
Despite his criticisms, Aboagye made it clear that the NPP would not use the galamsey crisis as a political tool.
Instead, he stressed the need for a collective effort to address the menace, urging all stakeholders to put national interest above partisan differences.
Unlike Mahama and his allies, he stated, the NPP remains committed to finding a lasting solution rather than exploiting the issue for political advantage.
He assured the current administration of the party’s willingness to support any genuine efforts aimed at eradicating illegal mining.
He called for a united front, emphasizing that if meaningful action is taken, together, they can put an end to the devastation caused by galamsey and safeguard the country’s future.
He concluded by stressing the urgency of the situation, declaring, “Our survival is at stake.”
Meanwhile, the government remains resolute in its efforts to combat the galamsey crisis through a blend of strict enforcement actions and comprehensive policy reforms, including the reclamation of about seven forests that had been devastated by illegal mining activities.
Authorities continue to deploy security forces to curb illegal mining activities while implementing regulatory frameworks aimed at promoting responsible mining practices.
However, the escalating tensions between illegal miners and law enforcement underscore the urgent need for a bipartisan approach.
This growing conflict threatens not only environmental sustainability but also national security and economic stability.
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