Former President John Dramani Mahama has publicly acknowledged that members of his own National Democratic Congress (NDC) party are involved in illegal small-scale mining, commonly known as galamsey. He made the statement during a meeting with representatives of Organised Labour at his office in Accra.
Mahama's admission highlights the persistent challenge of illegal mining in Ghana, which has caused significant environmental damage, including pollution of water bodies and destruction of forests. The former president emphasized the need for a collective national effort to combat the issue, stating that it transcends political affiliations.
While the specific individuals were not named, the candid remark underscores the complex political and economic dimensions of galamsey. The practice remains a critical issue for Ghana's environment and governance, with successive governments struggling to enforce mining regulations effectively.
