Richard Ahiagbah, Director of Communications for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has accused the National Democratic Congress (NDC) of promoting illegal mining, also known as galamsey. This comes after NDC flagbearer John Mahama pledged to use advanced technology, including artificial intelligence, to tackle galamsey if elected in 2024.
At the 3rd Annual Transformational Dialogue on Small-scale Mining at the University of Energy and Natural Resources (UENR), Mahama outlined plans to use AI to identify small-scale mining and galamsey operations, monitor excavators, and geofence concessions. He also proposed a dedicated fund to provide mining communities with sustainable equipment for exploitation.
However, Ahiagbah dismissed Mahama’s proposal as a political ploy to garner votes. In a statement, he emphasized that combating galamsey requires collective efforts across society and asserted that resolving the crisis would remain elusive under Mahama and the NDC’s leadership, as they are “entrenched in promoting and benefiting from such activities.”
“Combating galamsey requires collective efforts across society,” Ahiagbah said. “But with Mahama and the NDC, who are complicit in promoting and benefiting from galamsey, we will not see any meaningful progress in resolving this crisis.”
The accusation comes as the NPP and NDC continue to trade blows over their respective records on combating illegal mining. The issue remains a contentious one in Ghana, with many calling for greater action to address the environmental and economic impacts of galamsey.
