Illegal mining has destroyed water bodies and farm lands
The Minority Caucus in Parliament has raised concerns over alleged illegal mining activities involving some key figures of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC), just weeks after their electoral victory.
Addressing the press while presenting their alternative State of the Nation Address, the Minority acknowledged the long-standing challenges in the fight against illegal mining (galamsey), stating that successive governments have struggled to curb the menace.
“The fight against galamsey has been difficult, no doubt. President Mills struggled with it, President Mahama struggled with it in his first term, and despite the best of efforts, President Akufo-Addo also struggled with it,” the Minority stated.
They criticized the NDC for making “so much propaganda” about illegal mining while in opposition but failing to provide evidence before Parliament’s Appointments Committee to back their claims that the previous NPP government was complicit in galamsey.
The Minority further pointed to recent reports suggesting that some NDC leaders in the Ashanti Region have taken advantage of the situation and begun illegal mining operations.
“Media networks are now reporting that weeks after the election, known NDC kingpins in the Ashanti Region have invaded some forests and commenced galamsey activities,” they alleged.
Citing a January 19, 2025, report by the Daily Graphic, they revealed that about 60 illegal miners breached AngloGold Ashanti Mines’ security fence at Cote D with the aim of entering the Deep Decline.
“The decision to enter the Deep Decline was because of a promise made to these illegal miners by the leadership of the NDC during the campaign,” the Minority asserted.
They condemned what they described as double standards in the fight against illegal mining and urged the government to take swift action to prevent further environmental destruction.
