Concerns have emerged over alleged political interference in Ghana’s ongoing battle against illegal mining, as Sulemana Braimah, Executive Director of the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA), accused senior members of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) of forcibly seizing a small-scale mining concession in Prestea-Huni Valley and transferring it to Chinese interests.
In a social media statement, Braimah condemned the actions, warning that such abuses of power threaten efforts to curb galamsey and could tarnish the government’s reputation. “Chinese miners are operating on a small-scale mine that was forcefully taken from local Ghanaian miners by influential NDC politicians,” he asserted, promising forthcoming revelations.
The illegal mining crisis has presented a major challenge to the administration of President John Dramani Mahama, despite multiple initiatives aimed at combating the environmental and social damage caused by galamsey. Braimah’s allegations suggest that some political actors may be undermining these efforts from within.
Adding to the controversy, the Attorney General recently directed the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) to investigate Joseph Yamin and Abanga for their suspected involvement in illegal mining. The probe is also set to review a report by Prof. Frimpong Manso, which details galamsey activities during the previous government’s tenure.
As Ghana continues to grapple with the complex problem of illegal mining, these accusations highlight the pressing need for transparency and accountability across all levels of government to ensure effective enforcement and protect the country’s natural resources.
