NDC is using Galamsey as a political tool - Kwabena Agyepong
Accra, Ghana - October 8, 2024 - A senior campaign advisor to Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, Kwabena Agyepong, has alleged that the National Democratic Congress (NDC) is exploiting the galamsey issue to divert attention from its lack of a campaign message ahead of the December 7 polls.
Speaking on Channel One, Agyepong claimed the NDC's renewed focus on galamsey is a calculated attempt to discredit the Akufo-Addo administration.
He acknowledged galamsey as a serious challenge but argued the NPP government has made significant efforts to address it.
Agyepong criticized the NDC's criticism as a diversion tactic, pointing out their own failures during their time in office.
He emphasized Dr. Bawumia's clear plans to tackle galamsey, contrasting with John Dramani Mahama's lack of concrete policies.
“…[If you have genuine concerns] You will not be creating or orchestrating chaos in the country…At that time all the people making noise, were they not in this country? So what has changed? That 60 days to elections, what has changed? In the heat of a campaign.
“We have elections, if it’s a genuine concern, then the proponents of that should have a plan and sit with the two key parties. What is happening is very sad for our country. We don’t do galamsey in Accra if you are serious about it, you’ve to go to the areas and engage with the people.”
The government has announced plans to revoke LI 2462 and declare water bodies and forest reserves as "Red Zones" for mining, with stricter enforcement measures.
Organised Labour's threatened nationwide strike on October 10, 2024, looms amid increasing pressure on the government to take stronger action against galamsey.
Source: Lead News Online
