NPP accuses Mahama of failing in fight against galamsey

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has raised serious concerns. They describe a systematic abuse of citizens’ rights. They also criticize the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government for not fighting illegal mining, known as galamsey.

At a press conference at NPP headquarters, Richard Ahiagbah spoke out. He is the party’s Director of Communications. He criticized President John Dramani Mahama's administration for rolling back democratic freedoms. He accused it of failing to curb illegal mining that harms Ghana’s environment.

Ahiagbah stated, “The 2024 general elections are pivotal. Economic recovery, job creation, and fighting galamsey are at stake.” He added that three months into Mahama’s administration, there is a regressive reset of the presidency. This undermines democratic rights and environmental protection efforts.

The NPP accused the government of unfairly targeting opposition members through the Judiciary. They criticized Attorney-General Dr. Dominic Ayine for conducting media trials instead of court cases. Ahiagbah questioned why he does not prosecute if he has evidence.

“This is persecution, not prosecution,” he asserted. He claimed the government dismisses cases against its members while intensifying legal battles against opposition figures.

The NPP also criticized the government's 2025 budget as disappointing. They said it fails to deliver on key campaign promises like the 24-hour economy initiative. Ahiagbah noted that instead of a clear roadmap for this initiative, public sector employment is frozen.

He pointed out that government spending favors a few individuals at Jubilee House over critical sectors like agriculture and job creation. For example, GHS 2.7 billion was allocated for government machinery, exceeding investments in key economic initiatives.

Ahiagbah accused Mahama's administration of enabling illegal mining activities by not repealing Legislative Instrument (L.I.) 2462. This law allows mining in forest reserves despite Mahama's campaign promise to repeal it.

“Now he is backtracking and proposing an amendment that won’t solve anything,” Ahiagbah said. He warned that Ghana's forests are under siege from illegal miners protected by militants from Ivory Coast.

The NPP highlighted escalating illegal mining in critical reserves like Offin Shelter Belt and Keynkeynso forests. They warned that Ghana risks losing all 288 forest reserves to galamsey without decisive action from the government.