Nana Ayew Afriye, NPP MP, has accused the NDC of importing foreign nationals to engage in illegal mining activities, negatively impacting Ghana’s river bodies. He emphasizes the NPP’s commitment to combating illegal mining while supporting small-scale miners. The ongoing fight against galamsey has intensified amidst growing public protests demanding government action.
Nana Ayew Afriye, the Member of Parliament for Effiduase/Asokore in the Ashanti Region, has made serious allegations against the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), claiming that the party is deliberately engaging in activities that lead to the degradation of river bodies throughout Ghana. During a recent campaign event, Mr. Afriye asserted that the NDC has been importing foreign nationals from Togo and Burkina Faso to engage in illegal mining activities, known locally as “galamsey,” in an effort to undermine regions that predominantly support the New Patriotic Party (NPP). Mr. Afriye expressed that these actions stem from the NDC’s apprehension regarding the NPP’s potential success in constituencies affected by illegal mining practices. He stated, “God has placed us as number one because He wants us to win. The voice of the people is the voice of God. God speaks through us.” He cited research indicating that if elections were held imminently, the NPP could gain additional parliamentary seats, which he believes has prompted the NDC to orchestrate confusion. The MP highlighted the distinction between traditional small-scale mining operations conducted by locals and the illicit mining practices of foreign operatives allegedly brought into the country by the NDC. He emphasized that the NPP has initiated operations to combat illegal mining activities, vowing to protect water bodies while allowing legal small-scale miners to prosper. Mr. Afriye clarified, “Small-scale mining is different from what the Togolese and Burkinabes that the NDC has imported into the country to mine,” signifying a commitment to curtailing such activities. Moreover, he warned that the NPP would remain resolute in its fight against illegal mining, irrespective of political maneuvers aimed at inciting unrest ahead of the upcoming elections. The ongoing struggle against galamsey has gained momentum in recent weeks, with public outcry urging the government to take substantial action against unlawful mining practices. Various activist groups have organized protests demanding an end to galamsey, with some participants facing legal repercussions.
The issue of illegal mining, particularly in waterways, has become a contentious topic in Ghana. Illegal mining, popularly referred to as “galamsey,” poses significant threats to environmental sustainability and public health by contaminating water sources and degrading land. The government, under various administrations, has faced mounting pressure from citizens and environmental activists to take decisive action against such detrimental activities. The NPP and NDC are the principal political parties in Ghana, often finding themselves in conflict over policy and governance related to resource management. As elections approach, political tensions typically rise, with each party striving to undermine the other’s credibility and garner votes, particularly from key demographics affected by illegal mining.
In summary, Nana Ayew Afriye’s accusations against the NDC underscore a broader political struggle concerning the management of illegal mining in Ghana, particularly as it pertains to foreign involvement. He maintains that the NPP is dedicated to eradicating illegal mining while supporting legitimate operations. The increasing public demand for effective action against galamsey suggests that this issue will remain a focal point in the political discourse leading up to the elections.
Original Source: www.ghanaweb.com
