By: Baba Mohammed Issahaq
Mr Dennis Miracles Aboagye, Special Aide to former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has taken a swipe at the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC), urging the government to deliver on its promises in the fight against illegal mining before threatening Ghanaians with what it calls “ruthless” measures.
His reaction follows a declaration by Foreign Affairs Minister and North Tongu MP, Hon Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, that the government is now prepared to adopt ruthless tactics in tackling the galamsey menace.
Mr. Aboagye questioned the NDC’s sincerity, accusing the administration of “baby-sitting galamseyers” for the past seven months.
“Hearing Hon. Okudzeto Ablakwa say government is now going to be ruthless in the fight against galamsey does not only make me sad but drives me mad. What have they been doing in the past seven months? Baby-sitting galamseyers?” he fumed.
He reminded the NDC of its own manifesto commitments, stressing that the party must be held accountable for them. These included:
Declaring a state of emergency on galamsey.
Imposing a temporary ban on all small-scale mining.
Prohibiting mining in forest reserves.
Freeing all arrested galamsey operators and returning seized excavators.
Targeting kingpins instead of chasing miners in the pits.
Using artificial intelligence (AI) in the fight against illegal mining.
“Just implement the above so we can do a proper appraisal,” he charged.
Mr. Aboagye further alleged that several NDC officials have been linked to illegal mining operations through audio and video evidence.
“The alarming rate at which NDC party officials have been caught on camera and audio engaged in galamsey is scary. The earlier they deal with it, the better for our dear nation,” he warned.
He described the NDC government as a “disruptive interlude” in Ghana’s progress, adding that its approach to the fight against galamsey has been “a big disappointment and a complete waste of the nation’s time.”