It's your responsibility to resolve galamsey issue – Mahama to Akufo-Addo

The presidential candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and former President, John Dramani Mahama, has reminded President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo that it is his duty to address the issue of illegal small-scale mining, commonly known as galamsey.

While Mahama acknowledges that he has strategies to tackle the issue, he emphasized that the current responsibility lies with President Akufo-Addo, as he was elected to handle the matter.

Speaking during his campaign tour in Old Ningo in the Greater Accra Region, Mr. Mahama responded to recent comments from President Akufo-Addo, who had urged him to clarify his position on galamsey.

"It seems the President is unaware of my position, despite my numerous public statements on the issue.

The University of Energy and Natural Resources provided a platform for political leaders to outline their policies on small-scale mining, and I spent a full hour detailing our strategy.

We also had two hours of Q&A," Mahama said.

He further challenged President Akufo-Addo to review his previous remarks on galamsey.

"The President should ask his Jubilee House press to provide him with my speech from the University of Mines and Natural Resources.

Recently, when I met with clergymen, I reiterated my stance on illegal mining.

The responsibility is his—Ghanaians elected him, and he is the current president.

He must tackle galamsey now.

Mr Mahama added that if elected in 2025, he will take up the challenge of resolving the illegal mining crisis. "Come January 7, 2025, after Ghanaians have voted for me, I will take full responsibility and address the issue."

President Akufo-Addo's recent remarks on galamsey came during his 'Thank You Tour' in the Northeast Region on Tuesday, October 15, where he called on Mr Mahama to publicly declare his stance on the issue.