In a blistering rebuke aimed squarely at the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC), Dennis Miracles Aboagye — a close aide to former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia — has accused the government of turning a blind eye to the destruction caused by illegal mining while conveniently blaming the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP).
Speaking on Breakfast Daily on Channel One TV, Aboagye did not mince words. He painted a disturbing picture of environmental devastation, lawlessness, and political hypocrisy — accusing NDC elements of being knee-deep in galamsey operations even as the government continues to shift blame.
“The NDC is heavily involved in galamsey,” Aboagye declared. “When we went round the Akwatia and Ayensuano areas, they are heavily involved.”
According to him, what’s happening on the ground is nothing short of a national emergency. He cited specific cases of illegal miners openly operating in riverbeds, particularly along the Offin and Pra Rivers — right under the nose of security forces.
“With the Offin River, the galamseyers have diverted the path of the river and are mining directly in it,” he revealed. “Just beside them is a police checkpoint. These miners are there, mining with impunity and without fear.”
Aboagye claims drones flown over the Pra River captured five chamfans (floating mining machines) in full operation — a noisy and chaotic scene that suggests there is no effective state control over these territories.
This comes at a time when Ghanaians are demanding concrete action on illegal mining, which continues to destroy farmlands, pollute major rivers, and threaten the country’s water security. Yet, instead of solutions, Aboagye argues, Ghanaians are served a steady stream of political finger-pointing.
“Wonder Madilo and his people should stop talking about NPP. For now, the NPP doesn’t matter. We are out of office,” Aboagye fumed. “You are in power. The mandate has been given to you. Fix the darn thing.”
A Crisis Beyond Politics
His comments reflect growing frustration among Ghanaians who feel the fight against illegal mining has been reduced to a political blame game, while the actual perpetrators — often protected by powerful interests — continue their destruction unchecked.
“No law determines where, how, or when somebody speaks,” he said. “You are in government now. The responsibility is yours.”
As images and videos of poisoned rivers and devastated forests continue to circulate, the public is watching. And so far, both of Ghana’s major political parties have more accusations than answers.
With election season looming and the environment hanging in the balance, the question remains: Will anyone finally fix the galamsey crisis, or will it remain just another political football?
