NDC members involved in galamsey must be brought to book - Benjamin Quashie

Mr. Benjamin Kofi Quashie is the Chair of the South African Council of Elders for the National Democratic Congress (NDC). He addressed the galamsey issue affecting Ghana. He stated that any NDC members involved in galamsey must face legal consequences.

During a panel discussion on Joy Prime Newspaper on March 24, 2025, Mr. Quashie rejected claims that all NDC leaders are involved in galamsey. He emphasized that the NDC won elections based on a manifesto. "We cannot take the Ghanaian people for granted," he said. Allowing illegal mining to continue would undermine public trust in the NDC.

Mr. Quashie also highlighted health risks and environmental damage caused by illegal mining. He believes this destruction cannot be tolerated moving forward. "We cannot sit aloof while our forests are destroyed for personal gain," he stated. He praised President Mahama's leadership and commitment to tackling galamsey directly.

In response to comments from the NPP about President Mahama's efforts against galamsey, Mr. Quashie defended Mahama's recent actions as more effective than those of former President Akufo-Addo over eight years. He reminded the NPP of Akufo-Addo's promise to prioritize fighting galamsey, asking, "What happened?"

He noted that when Ghanaians complained about Akonta Mines harming forests, Akufo-Addo defended them as legal miners. "There is a clear difference between the two leaders," he said, stressing that under NDC leadership, they cannot lose this fight against galamsey.

Addressing security issues faced by journalists covering galamsey, Mr. Quashie declared an end to impunity against reporters. President Mahama supports freedom of press regarding galamsey reporting. He mentioned reading Erastus Asare’s positive updates about progress in combating illegal mining.

Mr. Quashie praised President Mahama’s transparency as Commander-in-Chief and assured that his government would not silence journalists. "The fight against galamsey is collaborative," he added, suggesting that environmental ministers should seek information from journalists when needed.