The Director of Communications for the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Richard Ahiagbah has said that the practice of illegal mining has worsened under the rule of the NDC administration.
Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, March 26 2025, at the party’s headquarters in Accra, he stated that the NDC administration has given clearance to a number of individuals who are engaged in galamsey. He alleged that the NDC before winning the 2024 elections had already promised illegal miners clearance once they gain power, hence cannot stop it.
“The NDC made promises to these illegal miners since 2020 to give them clearance to engage in such acts once they come into power to win them over. Now that they are in power do you expect them to stop them?; Many people who were afraid of engaging in this illegal practice have now gained confidence to engage in galamsey because their ally is in power.” he stated.
Mr. Ahigbah revealed that the persons involved in the practice of illegal mining are now guarded by heavily armed militants from nearby countries who have been dispatched into Ghana purposely to protect the illegal miners who are found around water bodies and forest reserves.
Commending efforts of Dr. Ken Ashigbey and other civil society groups for their firm stance against galamsey, Ahiagbah encouraged them to intensify efforts to gain the attention of President John Dramani Mahama and the government to bring an end to illegal mining in Ghana.
