The political heat over illegal mining, commonly referred to as galamsey, has reached a boiling point, with sharp criticisms directed at Professor Ransford Gyampo by Dennis Miracles Aboagye, a leading communicator of the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
Aboagye lashed out at the political scientist for what he described as “hypocrisy” and “partisan deception” in the ongoing debate over the government’s role in fighting galamsey.
Aboagye didn’t mince words, describing Prof. Gyampo as an NDC loyalist masquerading as a neutral academic who manipulated union sentiments to push a political agenda.
“Cowards die a million times before their time,” he began, accusing Gyampo of exploiting his position within an independent workers’ union to campaign against the NPP under the guise of national interest.
He claimed that the real problem isn’t Gyampo’s known political leanings but his calculated pretense of neutrality.
“The real scam is about the pretense of being neutral when, indeed, he was neck deep into the NDC, misleading his union members to pursue his parochial political interest.”
Dennis Miracles Aboagye
Aboagye recalled the 2024 elections, noting how Gyampo advocated for a state of emergency as the only viable solution to the galamsey crisis.
“Mention just one NEW thing your NDC Government has done, which was not done at the time you were screaming and calling for a state of emergency. Just One!”
Dennis Miracles Aboagye
In a detailed analysis, Aboagye outlined the NPP’s track record, asserting that since 2017, security forces had consistently been deployed to forests and rivers to combat illegal mining.
He argued that these actions had been more comprehensive than what is currently being done under the NDC-led administration.
No New Strategy Yet
Citing prosecution records, he stated that “no Government has arrested and prosecuted more Galamseyers than the Akufo-Addo Government”, noting that 76 individuals, including 18 foreigners, had been convicted between August 2021 to 2024.
Among those convicted was Aisha Huang, a high-profile Chinese illegal mining kingpin.
According to Aboagye, Prof. Gyampo was silent during those efforts but has suddenly turned around to applaud the NDC government, which is now using similar tactics.
He mocked recent initiatives by the new administration: “NDC introduces river guards. That’s commendable? River guards?”
He took issue with Gyampo’s change in tone, saying it reveals his true motivations.
“You were screaming ‘no action’ on Galamsey under the NPP when indeed, the first batch of River guards were introduced as far back as 2022.”
Dennis Miracles Aboagye
Aboagye believes Gyampo deliberately misled the public in a bid to undermine the NPP government and help swing the elections in favor of the NDC.
In a particularly scathing passage, Aboagye highlighted the worsening situation under the new government.
“Today, the Galamsey menace has escalated… NDC constituency chairmen are near-strangling and fighting military men in the Galamsey pits.”
Dennis Miracles Aboagye
He condemned the contradiction in Prof. Gyampo’s stance, claiming it exposes his political double standards.
He further pointed out that the NDC, now in power, must be held accountable for the promises it made in its 2024 manifesto.
“Mention to us, just one NEW thing that your party has introduced in the fight against Galamsey, for which reason you think the citizens should commend.”
Dennis Miracles Aboagye
NPP Commits to Galamsey Fight
Furthermore, Dennis Aboagye made it clear that the NPP is committed to treating galamsey as a national threat, not a political tool.
He expressed concern that people like Prof. Gyampo, who weaponised the issue for political advantage, are part of the reason why the fight against illegal mining remains largely ineffective.
He referenced Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s proposed reforms during the 2024 campaign, which aimed to introduce a new strategy to tackle the problem.
While Dr. Bawumia did not win the election, Aboagye insisted that the NDC must now “implement what they promised the people.“
“Doing the same thing and expecting different results doesn’t work,” he stressed, indicating that the NDC must act instead of basking in self-praise for merely replicating efforts it once denounced.
“It is hypocritical and shameful to scream like you did 4 months ago in the face of all these efforts by government then under the guise of union leader and then take up a political appointment under your party’s government and then turn around to tell us to commend your government for doing the same things you screamed at.”
Dennis Miracles Aboagye
He concluded by urging Prof. Gyampo to move away from politicizing the galamsey issue, emphasizing that such an approach does little to help the nation.
Instead, he encouraged a more constructive and non-partisan stance if Gyampo genuinely wishes to support national development.
