Address galamsey now and stop throwing challenges - Mahama replies Akufo-Addo

Greater Accra Region - October 17, 2024 - John Dramani Mahama, flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has fired back at President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo's challenge to publicly declare his stance on galamsey, Ghana's devastating illegal mining crisis.

Mahama insisted that Akufo-Addo, as the current president, should focus on resolving the issue instead of throwing challenges at his competitors.

Speaking to party supporters in the Greater Accra region on Thursday, October 17, Mahama emphasized that he has repeatedly commented on galamsey, outlining his policy during a three-hour presentation at the University of Energy and Natural Resources.

He also referenced his discussion with clergymen, where he addressed small-scale mining and galamsey.

Mahama questioned Akufo-Addo's awareness of his previous statements, suggesting that the president should instruct the Jubilee House press to provide him with the recording of his galamsey policy outline at the University of Mines and Natural Resources.

The NDC flagbearer reiterated that addressing galamsey is Akufo-Addo's responsibility as the current president, elected by the people of Ghana. Mahama pledged that after winning the 2024 elections, he would take on the responsibility and put an end to illegal mining.

“President Akufo-Addo said I should come clearly on galamsey, it looks like he doesn’t live in this country because I have commented on galamsey over and over again.

“The University of Energy and Natural Resources gave political leaders the top platform to outline their policy on small-scale mining, and for a whole hour, I outlined our policy, after that, there were questions and answers for two hours, we were there for three hours.

“President Akufo-Addo should tell the Jubilee House press to give him my tape on galamsey which I have delivered at the University of Mines and Natural Resources. Recently when I met the clergymen, a part of my speech it was again on galamsey and small-scale mining.

“It is his responsibility, the people of Ghana elected him, he is currently the president of Ghana, and it is his responsibility to deal with Galamsey now. I know that after 7th January 2025 when Ghanaians have voted for me, I will take that responsibility and we will stop illegal mining.”

Source: Lead News Online