Minority Declares Galamsey a National Emergency, Slams NDC for Inaction

Ghana’s Minority in Parliament has issued a damning statement accusing the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government of worsening the illegal mining crisis, commonly known as galamsey. Describing the situation as a “full-blown national emergency,” the opposition claims the government’s promises to end the practice have proven hollow just six months into its administration.

“Ghana is bleeding from the effects of a clueless and deceptive government,” the statement read. “Illegal mining is worse than ever.”

Galamsey in the President’s Hometown

The Minority highlighted Bole Bamboi, the President’s own hometown, as a symbol of government inaction. In Tumtumba, galamsey operations have reportedly devastated the Yonkamba stream, a tributary of the Black Volta.

“If the President cannot protect natural resources in his own backyard, what hope is there for the rest of the country?” the release questioned.

Mounting Institutional Frustration

The Minority also drew attention to growing unrest among key institutions, including the Trades Union Congress (TUC) and the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG). Both organisations have criticized the government’s handling of illegal mining.

On May Day, the TUC condemned what it called a “half-hearted” approach to the crisis — criticism reportedly met with verbal attacks from NDC loyalists.

UTAG, meanwhile, has threatened industrial action unless the government fulfills its anti-galamsey pledges made ahead of the 2024 elections. Their demands include:

• A public denouncement of galamsey
• A state of emergency declaration
• The repeal of LI 2462
• Prosecution of complicit officials

“This is not just a political issue. It is a moral emergency,” the Minority stated.

Allegations of Political Interference and Corruption

The Minority’s statement also detailed disturbing allegations:

• Some MMDCEs are reportedly using road construction equipment, including DRIP machines, for illegal mining.
• In Suaman, the local DCE is allegedly overseeing galamsey operations directly.
• Seized excavators are mysteriously vanishing during official operations.

“There appears to be no authority strong or bold enough to reprimand these actors. This is impunity at its worst,” Ampratwum-Sarpong lamented.

‘Goldbod’ Project Under Fire

The government’s flagship initiative to sanitize gold trading — Goldbod — also came under sharp criticism. The Minority labeled it a “monumental scam,” alleging it enriches politically connected individuals instead of fighting galamsey.

“Goldbod has become Goldbomb — serving a few and failing the many,” the statement read.

Environmental and Health Impact

The crisis is not just environmental — it’s affecting public health. Medical professionals have raised alarms about rising cases of gallbladder and neurological conditions in communities near mining sites. The Minority urged urgent attention to the long-term damage illegal mining is causing to rivers, soil, and citizens’ health.

Silencing the Watchdogs

The statement also called out the erosion of press freedom, particularly highlighting the work of journalist Erastus Asare Donkor, who has uncovered galamsey operations in protected areas like Jimira Forest Reserve. Despite his efforts, the government has allegedly ignored his findings.

“They set up committees, wear Wellington boots for the media, and pose like actors — but do nothing. Enough with the stunts. Just deal with galamsey,” the statement blasted.

A Final Warning

Wrapping up their fiery statement, the Minority called on the NDC government to move beyond rhetoric and demonstrate genuine political will to solve the crisis.

“This is not just an environmental issue. It is a governance test — and this government is failing miserably. If the NDC cannot protect our rivers, forests, and public health, it has no business being in power.”