Former Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Atwima Nwabiagya South, Amoah Awuku, has launched a scathing attack on the current administration, accusing the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government, under President John Dramani Mahama, of sponsoring illegal mining operations, commonly known as galamsey, across the country.
Speaking on Oyerepa Breakfast Show on Tuesday, August 6, 2025, Mr. Awuku claimed that galamsey activities have now received backing from the highest levels of government and the NDC party structure.
“Galamsey is now state-sponsored,” he alleged. “The NDC party apparatus is destroying our forest reserves with galamsey.”
He described the current situation as a betrayal of the NDC’s past calls for stronger action against illegal mining.
“When they were in opposition, the NDC told Akufo-Addo to declare a state of emergency on the galamsey menace. They said a whole lot of things. But today, as they are in government, all our forest reserves are depleted.”
Citing the Jimira Forest as an example, Mr. Awuku said the area has been “completely destroyed” by individuals he claims are affiliated with the NDC.
He also raised alarm over the growing boldness of illegal miners, saying, “Today, people are doing galamsey behind the roads with impunity.”
The former MCE’s comments come amid heightened national concern over the environmental destruction caused by illegal mining and ongoing debates about the political will to address the crisis.
Source: Oyerepafmonline.com
