The President of IMANI Africa, Mr. Franklin Cudjoe, has called on President John Dramani Mahama to take firm and decisive action against members of the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) who are allegedly involved in illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.
According to Mr. Cudjoe, the continued prevalence of galamsey in Ghana is being driven by vested political interests within the ruling party, a situation he says is seriously undermining national efforts to eradicate the destructive practice.
His comments come at a time when government has intensified its crackdown on illegal mining, which has caused extensive environmental degradation, polluted major water bodies, and led to significant losses in state revenue. Despite these measures, galamsey remains widespread, with persistent allegations that some politicians, including lawmakers, are either directly involved or are shielding operators for personal gain.
Speaking in an interview on Channel One TV on December 20, Mr. Cudjoe expressed concern that certain factions within the NDC continue to benefit from the illicit trade, thereby sabotaging the broader national agenda of environmental protection and sustainable development.
“I believe President Mahama really wants to stop this. Right? If indeed he wants to stop it, he should look out for those vested interests within the party [NDC] who are behind and making this thing continue as a lucrative business,” he stated.
Mr. Cudjoe stressed that the fight against galamsey would be futile if party loyalists and public officials were not held accountable. He warned that repealing or amending laws alone would not solve the problem without concrete enforcement and political will.
He further raised concerns over reports that some Members of Parliament have allegedly visited lands they claim as ancestral property with the intention of engaging in illegal mining activities.
“I worry greatly that some MPs have been named to have visited lands that they thought belonged to their parents. We can repeal all the laws we want, but if we don’t follow it up with real action, I don’t think this thing can be solved any moment from now,” he said.
To strengthen accountability, the IMANI Africa president urged President Mahama to introduce clear Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for political appointees and party officials, particularly those tasked with combating galamsey.
He emphasized that only firm leadership, internal discipline, and measurable performance targets would ensure real progress in ending illegal mining and protecting Ghana’s natural resources
