The Minority in Parliament has launched a scathing attack on the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC), accusing it of gross hypocrisy and failure in tackling the escalating illegal mining crisis, widely known as galamsey.
Describing the situation as a “full-blown national emergency,” the Minority demanded urgent and concrete action to address what it calls a looming environmental and public health disaster.
In a press release signed by Kwaku Ampratwum-Sarpong, Ranking Member on the Lands and Natural Resources Committee, the Minority accused the NDC of betraying its anti-galamsey campaign promises and presiding over an even worse situation than under the previous government.
“The government was handed GHC 50 million in the 2025 budget to combat illegal mining – five times what was allocated under the NPP in 2024 – yet the public sees only token gestures with no real action,” the statement read.
Galamsey in President Mahama’s Backyard
The Minority singled out President John Dramani Mahama’s own hometown of Bole Bamboi, particularly the community of Tumtumba, where the Yonkamba stream, a key tributary of the Black Volta, has reportedly been ravaged by illegal mining.
“If the President cannot safeguard the natural resources of his own backyard, what hope is there for the rest of the country?” the Minority quizzed, alleging that NDC officials have effectively hijacked galamsey sites for political and personal gain.
Public Outcry and Institutional Pressure
The statement cited mounting public frustration and harsh criticisms from influential institutions including the Trades Union Congress (TUC) and the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG). Both groups have condemned the government’s response as ineffective and complicit.
UTAG has gone further to threaten a nationwide strike unless the government declares a state of emergency and prosecutes officials implicated in illegal mining.
Meanwhile, the Minority expressed concern over the lack of protection for journalists such as Erastus Asare Donkor, who have exposed illegal mining operations only to be ignored by authorities despite presenting credible evidence.
Health Crisis Looms in Mining Zones
The Minority warned that the crisis has escalated beyond environmental degradation to pose severe public health risks. It cited medical experts, including neurologists, who have linked polluted water in mining areas to an alarming increase in gallbladder-related ailments.
“This is no longer just an environmental issue; it’s a public health crisis,” the statement declared.
‘Goldbod’ Initiative Branded a Sham
The government’s high-profile “Goldbod” anti-galamsey campaign was dismissed by the Minority as a “monumental scam.” It alleged that gold procured under the initiative is being sourced from illegal mining sites, raising concerns about complicity and corruption.
“They wear Wellington boots for cameras and pose with shovels like actors on a movie set,” the statement mocked, accusing NDC officials of favoring media optics over meaningful enforcement.
Minister Defends Government Efforts
In a related development, the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, speaking at the Government Accountability Series in Accra today, reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to tackling illegal mining.
“We are treating the galamsey menace with all the urgency required to ensure it is dealt with decisively,” he assured.
Conclusion: A Call for Leadership and Accountability
The Minority ended its statement with a direct call for leadership and accountability:
“Ghanaians deserve clean water, preserved forests, good health, and real leadership. If the NDC cannot deliver that, they have no business being in power.”
