In a shocking revelation, former Convention People’s Party (CPP) General Secretary Nana Yaa Jantuah has made explosive claims about alleged connections between illegal mining activities and the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP).

According to her, many prominent government figures and NPP members are involved in illegal mining operations known as galamsey.

Speaking out against what she described as a worsening situation under President Akufo-Addo’s watch, Nana Yaa Jantuah stated that a significant portion of illegal miners are financial backers of the NPP.

“This is a serious matter that needs immediate attention. Four out of five people you witness engaged in galamsey are NPP members. If they are prevented from participating in galamsey, they constantly threaten to quit funding the party.”
Nana Yaa Jantuah, former Convention People’s Party (CPP) General Secretary

Nana Yaa Jantuah’s critique extended beyond individual involvement to the broader context of illegal mining in Ghana. She drew a comparison between the state of galamsey under the previous government and its current state.

“In 2015, the situation was concerning, but what we are witnessing now is a complete disregard for the environment and the laws of the land. Under President Akufo-Addo’s watch, illegal mining has escalated to unprecedented levels.”
Nana Yaa Jantuah, former Convention People’s Party (CPP) General Secretary

Nana Yaa Jantuah further pointed out that despite the government’s public stance against illegal mining, the situation has worsened, suggesting a lack of genuine commitment to eradicating the problem.

Her statement underscored the growing frustration among many Ghanaians who feel that the government’s efforts to curb illegal mining have been superficial at best. The environmental degradation and destruction of water bodies caused by galamsey have been widely condemned, yet the practice continues, often with impunity.

Nana Yaa Jantuah’s allegations also touched on the internal dynamics of the NPP, particularly the influence wielded by those who fund the party through proceeds from illegal mining.

She claimed that these individuals use their financial contributions as leverage, threatening to withdraw their support if they are prevented from continuing their illegal activities.

“In actuality, this most recent controversy merely serves to support our long-standing assertion that President Akufo-Addo’s purported campaign against galamsey is a charade designed to seize the illegal galamsey trade for NPP officials.
“Now that it’s all evident, there was no struggle, the whole thing was a fake, a plan, and a 419 for powerful government figures to seize control of the galamsey business.”
Nana Yaa Jantuah, former Convention People’s Party (CPP) General Secretary

Nana Yaa Jantuah’s use of the term “419,” a colloquial reference to fraud, suggested that she believes the government’s actions were never intended to benefit the public or protect the environment, but rather to serve the interests of a select few within the ruling party.

Regardless of the truth behind these claims, they highlight the complex interplay between politics, economics, and environmental concerns in Ghana. As the country continues to grapple with the consequences of illegal mining, citizens are increasingly demanding transparency and accountability from their leaders.

Many Ghanaians feel that the government’s actions against illegal mining have been ineffective and inconsistent. This skepticism stems from the perceived contradiction between official anti-galamsey rhetoric and the continued presence of illegal mining activities in many areas.

The key lies in a collaborative approach involving government, civil society, security agencies, traditional leaders, and the media working together towards a common goal of sustainable development and environmental protection.