The Convenor for the Media Coalition Against Galamsey, Dr Ken Ashigbey, has alleged that members of both the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and New Patriotic Party (NPP) are involved in illegal mining activities.

Speaking during an interview on TV3, and monitored by GhanaWeb on Monday, April 7, 2025, he claimed that since the John Dramani Mahama government assumed office, the NDC had taken a significant control of the illegal mining operations.

"The NDC will say it is my government that is in power. But you know what the NPP people have done? They've gone behind them, they have done a merger, so now the NDC who claim that their party is in power they have 70 percent of the booty and then these NPP who were doing it before have now joined hands with the NDC, because they have the excavators and all of those things there, so they have joined hands," he stated.

He further urged President John Dramani Mahama to take decisive action against illegal mining activities.

"So, if John Mahama wants to deal with this, then he needs to lighten the burden of Murtala, and Armah-Kofi Buah, and all those he has put in charge. Then he needs to deal with the political class who are exposed," he added.

Meanwhile, the lands minister, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah has affirmed government's commitment to clamping down on illegal mining activities.

Addressing the media on April 3, 2025, he stated that the government is exploring all possible measures, including the declaration of a state of emergency and a temporary ban on small-scale mining.

"This government is committed to fighting this galamsey menace. Those who are involved in galamsey and their political collaborators must be warned. Any attempt to make calls for the release of an excavator or a person arrested for galamsey will not be countenanced at all; they will not succeed," he stressed.

JKB/AE

Ever heard of a colonial fort with a children's dungeon and a unique shrine for the slaves? Find out the details with Etsey Atisu as he toured Fort William at Anomabo below: