On Saturday, November 14, NPP National Communications Director Dennis Miracles Aboagye accused the NDC government of failing to curb illegal mining, or galamsey, since it assumed office. Aboagye said the situation has worsened compared to 2024, pointing to ongoing water pollution, persistent mining activities and the recent deaths of six people during a clash linked to anti‑galamsey operations.
The comments came after a confrontation at Manso Keniago in the Ashanti Region, where residents and suspected illegal miners resisted National Anti‑Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) personnel attempting to track excavators seized from the area. The altercation ended with six fatalities, raising questions about the effectiveness of the government’s strategy.
During a JoyNews “Newsfile” interview, Aboagye criticised NAIMOS for focusing on tracking excavators while “daylight galamsey” continued unchecked. He asked, “What the hell are you doing on the streets transporting excavators when you have audios and videos and daytime galamsey which you haven't dealt with?” He also questioned the government’s handling of the Manso Keniago incident, noting that the deaths had not led to tangible progress and that water bodies remained polluted.
“Look at this water. These six people who are dead, has the water colour changed? What did they die for?” Aboagye asked, underscoring the lack of visible results from anti‑galamsey campaigns.
Aboagye challenged the NDC to explain why its promised measures, outlined in the party’s 2024 manifesto and campaign videos, have not produced the expected outcomes. He said the government must demonstrate a substantive departure from past enforcement methods, which he claims it has not done.
He urged authorities to account for the circumstances surrounding the Manso Keniago confrontation and to stop what he called “PR” with the incident. “The fact of the matter is that they gave us specific things that they will do to solve the problem. The situation is worse,” he added.
Observers will watch how the NDC responds to Aboagye’s accusations and whether it can provide evidence of progress in tackling galamsey before the next election cycle.
