The Minority in Parliament has issued a scathing critique of the government’s approach to illegal mining, calling for an immediate end to what it describes as “fancy stunts” and urging a decisive crackdown on galamsey.
In a press release dated Wednesday, July 23, the group slammed the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) for what they called hypocrisy and failure to address the escalating illegal mining crisis, which they describe as a “full-blown national emergency.”
The statement, signed by Kwaku Ampratwum-Sarpong, Ranking Member on Parliament’s Lands and Natural Resources Committee, accused the government of betraying its anti-galamsey promises, despite allocating GHC 50 million in the 2025 budget, five times more than what was earmarked in 2024 under the previous NPP administration.
“All we’ve seen so far are photo ops and token gestures.”
The Minority highlighted the worsening situation in President John Dramani Mahama’s hometown of Bole Bamboi, citing the destruction of the Yonkamba stream, a vital tributary of the Black Volta, due to illegal mining in the Tumtumba area.
“If the President cannot protect the natural resources in his own backyard, how can Ghanaians expect him to defend the rest of the country?” the group questioned.
The statement further alleged that government officials have taken control of illegal mining sites for political and personal gain, exacerbating the crisis.
The Minority also referenced increasing public outcry, including strong statements from the Trades Union Congress (TUC) and the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG). UTAG has even threatened to strike if the government fails to declare a national emergency on galamsey and prosecute those responsible.
In a final rebuke, the statement condemned the government’s silence over attacks on journalists who have exposed politically backed illegal mining operations.
The Minority is demanding urgent and transparent action to save Ghana’s natural resources, warning that continued inaction could erode public trust and deepen environmental degradation.
