The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has launched a scathing attack on the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government, accusing it of complicity in the escalating illegal mining crisis, commonly known as galamsey, that is ravaging Ghana’s natural resources. The NPP’s Director of Communications, Richard Ahiagbah, contends that the NDC’s inaction, coupled with policies that indirectly encourage environmental destruction, has fueled the illegal mining activities, leading to severe devastation of protected forest reserves. Ahiagbah pointed to the alarming statistic that 44 out of Ghana’s 288 forest reserves have already fallen victim to the destructive practices of illegal miners, painting a grim picture of the environmental degradation unfolding under the NDC’s watch. He further highlighted instances of galamsey-related violence, including a recent attack on a Forestry Commission rapid response team, as evidence of the growing lawlessness and insecurity associated with the illegal mining operations.
Ahiagbah’s accusations extend beyond mere inaction, alleging that the NDC actively campaigned in galamsey-prone areas with a veiled promise to allow illegal mining to continue if elected. This, he argues, has emboldened NDC members and supporters involved in galamsey to intensify their operations, further contributing to the destruction of Ghana’s forests. The NPP spokesperson also raised concerns about the presence of foreign militants, reportedly recruited from Ivory Coast and other regions, to protect illegal mining sites within the forest reserves. This, he claims, adds another layer of complexity to the crisis, impacting national security and potentially fostering further environmental degradation.
The NPP has singled out Legislative Instrument (L.I.) 2462 as a significant contributor to the worsening galamsey crisis. Ahiagbah criticized President John Mahama for backtracking on his promise to repeal the law completely, opting instead for an amendment that removes the president’s power to approve mining applications in forest reserves. The NPP maintains that only a full repeal of L.I. 2462 can effectively safeguard Ghana’s remaining forest reserves from the relentless encroachment of illegal mining. Ahiagbah’s argument centers on the premise that the law, even in its amended form, creates loopholes that facilitate illegal mining operations and undermines efforts to protect the environment.
The NPP’s condemnation of the NDC’s handling of the galamsey crisis extends to the government’s perceived lack of concrete action. Ahiagbah accuses the NDC of engaging in extensive discussions about combating galamsey while failing to implement meaningful measures to curb the illegal activities. He contrasts this with the previous NPP administration’s efforts to tackle the issue, portraying the current government’s approach as ineffective and lacking the political will to address the problem head-on. The NPP calls for a more decisive and proactive approach, emphasizing the urgency of the situation given the rapid rate of forest destruction.
The NPP has commended the Media Coalition Against Galamsey and various civil society organizations for their unwavering efforts in raising awareness and advocating for an end to illegal mining. Ahiagbah urged all Ghanaians to join the fight against galamsey, emphasizing that it is not a partisan political issue but a national imperative to protect the country’s natural heritage for future generations. He framed the battle against galamsey as a crucial effort to safeguard Ghana’s land, water resources, and the overall well-being of the nation.
In summary, the NPP accuses the NDC of complicity in the escalating galamsey crisis, citing inaction, flawed policies, and broken promises as contributing factors. The party points to the devastating impact of illegal mining on Ghana’s forest reserves, raising concerns about environmental degradation, security threats posed by foreign militants, and the government’s perceived lack of commitment to effectively address the issue. The NPP calls for the complete repeal of L.I. 2462, stronger action against illegal miners, and a united national effort to combat galamsey and protect Ghana’s natural resources. They emphasize the urgency of the situation and the need for a decisive response to prevent further environmental damage and safeguard the future of the country.
