Investigate, prosecute NDC executives involved in galamsey — Coalition Against Galamsey to Mahama

The Ghana Coalition Against Galamsey has petitioned President John Dramani Mahama to order the investigation and possibly prosecution of some executives of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) alleged to be involved in illegal mining.

The group cited the NDC Member of Parliament for Aowin, Oscar Ofori Larbi, and party chairpersons in Axim and Dunkwa constituencies as individuals believed to be complicit in galamsey activities.

Addressing a press conference on Thursday, June 19, lead convener of the coalition, Dr. Kenneth Ashigbey, said their call is in line with the President’s own pledge to ensure that no one is shielded in the fight against illegal mining.

“We have observed and strongly condemned the disturbing pattern of some NDC officials engaging in illegal mining, especially in light of the unresolved case involving Hon. Oscar Ofori Larbi, MP for Aowin,” Dr. Ashigbey said.

He added, “We have submitted a petition to the President, which he has acknowledged. New reports also implicate the NDC constituency chairmen of Axim and Dunkwa. We demand immediate investigations into these cases by the police and National Security, with full transparency and no political interference.”

Dr. Ashigbey also urged the President to act on the recommendations of the Professor Frimpong-Boateng report, which cited several politically exposed persons for their alleged roles in galamsey.

The coalition further called for a declaration of a state of emergency in areas hardest hit by illegal mining to safeguard the environment.

“We are not calling for a nationwide state of emergency. The Constitution allows for a state of emergency in specific parts of the country, and that’s what we are demanding,” he stressed.