John Dramani Mahama, flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has responded to President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s challenge regarding his stance on illegal mining (galamsey).
During an interaction with NDC supporters in the Greater Accra region on Thursday, October 17, Mahama emphasised that it is the responsibility of the sitting president, Akufo-Addo, to address the galamsey issue directly, rather than deflecting and challenging his political opponents.
“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.”
President Akufo-Addo, during a thank-you tour of the North East region, called on the NDC’s flagbearer to declare his stance on the menace.