Dennis Miracles Aboagye, an aide to former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has accused President John Dramani Mahama of lacking the commitment to tackle illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.
Speaking on Breakfast Daily on Channel One TV on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, Mr. Aboagye said the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government has failed to demonstrate seriousness in addressing the menace, despite public outcry over its devastating impact on water bodies and communities.
“There is a certain spin that this NDC government placed on galamsey, and created the impression that it is something that Akufo-Addo created and introduced. They said that the water is murkier because of Akufo-Addo,” he said.
Mr. Aboagye further argued that President Mahama’s recent remarks on the matter reveal a lack of political will.
“In fact, the president reiterated this point in his media engagement when he was asked about galamsey and what he is doing about it. He made a point that with the damage that was caused in the last eight years, nobody should expect that they can fix it in eight months.
“This is a lie, and it is gaslighting. It also heightens my fears and reinforces the fact that the man has no commitment whatsoever to fight galamsey. I say this without any contradiction,” he stressed.
He accused the president of prioritising economic benefits from illegal mining activities over the safety of Ghanaians and the protection of the environment.
“Right now, even as he is in government, he has prioritised the economic gains he will get from the illegal gold over the environment and safety of the people,” Mr. Aboagye added.
