The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has accused the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government of fueling illegal mining, known as galamsey, through inaction and policies that encourage environmental destruction.
Richard Ahiagbah, Director of Communications for the NPP, claimed the government’s failure to take decisive action has led to severe devastation, with 44 out of 288 forest reserves already affected.
He cited troubling instances of galamsey-related violence, including a recent attack on the Forestry Commission’s rapid response team at the Offin Shelter Belt forest reserve.
He also pointed to the takeover of key forest reserves in the Brim North district, including the Keynkeynso and Gyaare forests in Akoasi, where illegal miners continue to operate.
“The fight to curb galamsey is challenging, but the lack of commitment from this government has exacerbated the situation, leading to the devastation of many of our forests. Today, our forests are populated by recruited militants from Ivory Coast and other regions to protect the galamsayers who, according to media reports, are NDC members. Currently, mining has devastated 44 out of the 288 forest reserves in Ghana. At this rate, we risk losing all these forests to galamsey.
“The NDC is complicit in the astronomical growth of illegal mining because they campaigned actively in galamsey areas with a coded promise, which translates to allowing the boys to engage in galamsey. With the NDC government in power, its members and supporters within the galamsey space have begun to dig in our forests for gold while the government intensifies discussions about combating galamsey without taking meaningful action,” he said.
Mr Ahiagbah called for the immediate revocation of Legislative Instrument (L.I.) 2462, arguing that it has contributed to the worsening galamsey crisis.
He criticized President John Mahama for failing to repeal the law as promised, instead opting to amend it and strip the president of the power to approve mining applications in forest reserves. “A complete repeal is the only way to safeguard our forests,” he insisted.
He praised the Media Coalition Against Galamsey and civil society organizations for their efforts in fighting illegal mining and urged all Ghanaians to rally behind the cause.
“The fight against galamsey is not just about politics—it is about protecting our land, our water, and the future of this country,” he emphasized.
