Isaac Andrews Tandoh, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Minerals Commission in charge of small-scale and Industrial Minerals, has dismissed claims that illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, has worsened under the administration of former President John Dramani Mahama.
His response comes after New Patriotic Party (NPP) Communications Director Richard Ahiagbah criticized the Mahama administration for its handling of galamsey, alleging that the situation has deteriorated under its leadership.
Speaking at a press briefing in Accra on March 26, Ahiagbah argued that the government’s lack of commitment has worsened environmental degradation and caused significant disruptions in mining communities.
However, in an interview on Citi FM’s Eyewitness News, Tandoh rejected these claims, expressing disappointment with the NPP’s criticisms. He insisted that Mahama’s administration has shown stronger political will in tackling illegal mining compared to its predecessor.
“I beg to differ from the NPP’s point of view. I am actually surprised that somebody who has been in power for eight years and couldn’t do anything about something, and looking at what we have done within the last two months, this is what they have to say—then it’s a little bit disappointing,” Tandoh remarked.
He further emphasized that the fight against galamsey depends on political commitment, which he believes Mahama’s administration has demonstrated.
“If you look at this whole galamsey fight, it is about political will, and for John Dramani Mahama’s administration, they demonstrated that he is out to wage that war against galamsey,” Tandoh added.