The Minority in Parliament has lambasted the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) for what it describes as gross hypocrisy and negligence in tackling the surging illegal mining crisis, popularly known as galamsey. Declaring the situation a “full-blown national emergency,” the Minority condemned what it termed “fancy stunts” by the government and called for immediate, concrete action to protect Ghana’s environment.
Also Read: Illegal Mining Fight Not Easy, But We’ll Prevail – Lands Minister Armah-Kofi Buah
In a press release dated Wednesday, July 23, and signed by Kwaku Ampratwum-Sarpong, Ranking Member of the Lands and Natural Resources Committee, the Minority accused the NDC government of breaking its promises and overseeing a worsening galamsey epidemic barely six months into its administration.
“The government was allocated GHS 50 million in the 2025 budget to combat illegal mining — five times more than the GHS 10 million under the previous NPP administration in 2024 — yet the public has only witnessed token gestures without substantive impact,” the statement claimed.
The Minority cited persistent illegal mining activities in President John Dramani Mahama’s hometown of Bole Bamboi, especially in Tumtumba, where the Yonkamba stream—a vital tributary of the Black Volta—has reportedly been devastated. The group questioned:
“If the President cannot safeguard natural resources in his own backyard, what hope is there for the rest of the country?”
The statement further accused the NDC of leveraging galamsey sites for political and personal enrichment, noting widespread public dissatisfaction and sharp criticisms from key institutions like the Trades Union Congress (TUC) and the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG).
Both groups have denounced the government’s efforts as weak and complicit, with UTAG threatening industrial action unless its demands—including a declaration of a state of emergency and the prosecution of complicit officials—are fulfilled.
The Minority also expressed concern over the lack of protection for journalists who expose illegal mining operations. They cited Erastus Asare Donkor, a journalist who presented credible evidence of environmental degradation and political interference, yet received no serious government response.
Also Read: “We Are Choosing a President, Not Just a Flagbearer” – Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu Warns NPP
Equally troubling, the statement highlighted a spike in health complications in galamsey-affected communities.
“Neurologists are reporting an increase in gallbladder-related illnesses linked to polluted water. This is no longer solely an environmental issue—it’s a public health crisis.”
The Minority dismissed the government’s anti-galamsey campaigns—particularly the much-touted “Gold for Oil” and “Goldbod” initiatives—as ineffective, branding them “monumental scams” and alleging that gold acquired under such programmes originates from illegal sources.
“They wear Wellington boots for the cameras and pose with shovels like actors on a movie set,” the statement read, accusing the government of prioritising optics over tangible results.
The Minority demanded accountability, declaring:
“Ghanaians deserve clean water, protected forests, good health, and honest leadership. If the NDC cannot deliver these, it has no moral right to govern.”
Meanwhile, Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, speaking at the Government Accountability Series in Accra on the same day, assured the public that the administration is treating the galamsey crisis as a top priority and is actively working towards a sustainable resolution.
