Kwabena Agyei Agyepong, a Senior Campaign Advisor to the New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has publicly criticized the National Democratic Congress (NDC) for what he describes as their opportunistic exploitation of illegal mining, known as galamsey, particularly as the 2024 general elections approach. In a recent interview on Channel One TV, Agyepong suggested that the NDC’s heightened focus on illegal mining is a strategic move aimed at discrediting the accomplishments of the NPP government. Agyepong’s contention is that the opposition is leveraging the illegal mining issue to sway public opinion and diminish the NPP’s standing in the eyes of voters as the election date nears.
Acknowledging the pervasive issue of illegal mining in Ghana, Agyepong nonetheless asserted that the NPP government has taken decisive steps to mitigate its effects and safeguard the country’s natural resources. He highlighted various initiatives launched under the leadership of President Akufo-Addo, including the formation of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Illegal Mining (IMCIM) and the deployment of military task forces aimed at combating illegal mining activities. Agyepong argued that these comprehensive measures demonstrate the NPP’s commitment to addressing the galamsey crisis more effectively than previous governments, which have struggled to find solutions.
Moreover, Agyepong accused the NDC of engaging in a historical amnesia regarding their own tenure and the challenges associated with illegal mining during that period. He stressed that the NPP’s approach and responses to galamsey are not only proactive but also distinguished from the NDC’s lack of action when they were in power. He emphasized that rather than offering genuine concern and constructive dialogue on the issue, the NDC appears to be creating turmoil and confusion, suggesting that their focus is more about political gain than actual problem-solving.
In addressing the NDC’s narrative, Agyepong referenced the lack of substantial engagement from the opposition in areas directly affected by illegal mining. He contended that if the NDC were truly committed to addressing the galamsey crisis, they would actively engage with communities impacted by these activities rather than merely making public statements aimed at politicizing the issue. “If you have genuine concerns, you will not be creating or orchestrating chaos in the country,” he remarked, questioning the authenticity of their motivations, especially as they ramp up their campaign efforts within the context of the upcoming elections.
The dynamics of political campaigning alongside pressing national issues such as illegal mining present a complex backdrop for the 2024 elections in Ghana. Agyepong’s arguments reflect a broader strategy by the NPP to reinforce its record of action and governance as legitimate and impactful. By positioning the NDC as opportunistic and neglectful during their governance, Agyepong aims to not only defend the NPP’s policies but also to encourage voters to retain confidence in the party’s ability to effectively address ongoing national challenges.
As the electoral contest intensifies, the dialogue surrounding galamsey and illegal mining is likely to remain a focal point in the political arena. Agyepong’s statements underscore the importance of framing narratives that resonate with the electorate while defending party achievements against opposition critiques. The tension between highlighting progress and addressing ongoing issues will likely shape the campaign strategies of both the NPP and NDC as they prepare for the December 2024 elections, highlighting the politically charged atmosphere surrounding one of Ghana’s pressing environmental and economic issues.
