Mahama’s comments on galamsey demoralizing — Ahiagbah

The National Communications Director of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Richard Ahiagbah, has criticised President John Dramani Mahama over his recent comments on the fight against illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.

At a media encounter on Wednesday, September 10, President Mahama explained that the Inspector General of Police’s task force on illegal mining was withdrawn because its operations were distorting activities and intimidating licensed small-scale miners who were being mistaken for galamsey operators.

He also rejected calls for a state of emergency in galamsey-prone areas, stressing that government has not yet exhausted existing measures to tackle the menace.

Reacting in a social media post on Thursday, Mr. Ahiagbah described the President’s responses as demoralising, arguing that they showed less commitment compared to former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s approach.

“President Mahama’s answer on galamsey is demoralizing. This confirms why Ghanaians say President Akufo-Addo fought galamsey more decisively than President Mahama,” he wrote.

He further added: “To put it mildly, the explanation for not declaring a state of emergency is disappointing, given that the President in opposition promised to declare war on the menace.”

Meanwhile, highlighting progress, the President noted that about nine forest reserves which were previously captured by illegal miners have been reclaimed with plans underway to repeal the contentious LI 2462.