Galamsey has worsened under Mahama despite campaign promises - Kwesi Botchway Jr

Private legal practitioner Kwesi Botchway Jr has observed that illegal mining, popularly known as “galamsey”, has increased astronomically under the administration of President John Dramani Mahama.

This surge comes despite various assurances from the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to eradicate the menace.

The lawyer and special aide to former Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia alleged that the practice is being fuelled by high-ranking government officials. He emphasised that the authority to halt these activities rests solely with the President.

According to Botchway, the current administration unfairly criticised former President Akufo-Addo during his tenure, making bold promises to address illegal mining once in power. However, he argues that the situation has only deteriorated since the transition.

​"The NDC made political capital out of the galamsey issue under Akufo-Addo. But after almost a year since assuming power, galamsey has moved from mining zones into people’s homes,” Botchway stated.

“In Bole Bamboi and Kyebi, mining is occurring within residential areas. If Akufo-Addo were still in power, he would be accused of engaging in it, but he is out of office and has no state power. So, the question remains: who is allowing this to happen?”

​He further alleged that the reach of illegal mining has expanded into educational institutions, including secondary schools and colleges. He pointed directly at members of the ruling party as the primary beneficiaries.

​"Galamsey has worsened. Appointees of the government, the president’s representatives, and certain NDC executives are deeply involved,” he claimed. “If President John Dramani Mahama truly wants to stop galamsey, it would be a one-day job.”

​He also called for transparency regarding ongoing investigations, stating that Ghanaians deserve an update on the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) enquiries into NDC executives allegedly linked to the trade.

​While acknowledging the political undertones, Botchway stressed that galamsey is a non-partisan crisis.

He characterised it as a national security threat with devastating consequences for public health and the economy.