NDC members involved in galamsey must be dealt with - Benjamin Quashie advocates

The Chair of the South African Council of Elders for the NDC, Mr. Benjamin Kofi Quashie, addressed the galamsey issue. He stated that all NDC members involved in illegal mining must face legal consequences.

During a panel discussion 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 its manifesto. "We cannot take the Ghanaian people for granted," he said.

Mr. Quashie warned that allowing galamsey to continue would undermine public trust in the NDC. He also highlighted the health risks and environmental damage caused by illegal mining. "We cannot watch our forests be destroyed for personal gain," he added.

He praised President Mahama's leadership in tackling galamsey directly. In response to comments from the NPP, Mr. Quashie claimed Mahama's recent efforts surpass those of former President Akufo-Addo over eight years.

He reminded the NPP of Akufo-Addo's promise to prioritize fighting galamsey and questioned what happened to that commitment. When many Ghanaians criticized Akonta Mines for harming forests, Akufo-Addo defended them as legal miners.

"There is a clear difference between these two leaders," Mr. Quashie noted. He insisted that under the NDC administration, losing the fight against galamsey is not an option.

Addressing security issues faced by journalists covering galamsey, he stated that impunity is no longer acceptable. President Mahama supports freedom of press regarding reporting on this issue.

Mr. Quashie mentioned reading Erastus Asare's positive posts about progress against galamsey but acknowledged more work remains to be done. He commended Mahama’s transparency compared to previous administrations.

"The fight against galamsey requires collaboration," he said, suggesting that environmental ministers should seek information from journalists when needed. The discussion took place during a newspaper review panel on Joy Prime.