By GhanaNewsPage 
The National Democratic Congress (NDC’s) spokesperson on Zongo Development, Alhaji Mohammed Naziru, has expressed strong disapproval of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP), calling it “uncivilized, unrefined and savage” in its handling of illegal mining or galamsey.
Speaking on Angel FM’s morning show on Monday, September 30, 2024, Alhaji Naziru criticized President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s administration, stating that their governance lacks the necessary sophistication and decency in addressing the galamsey issue.
Referring to the ongoing challenges with illegal mining, the Communications Director for the NDC Zongo Caucus, questioned the government’s inability to enforce a permanent ban on galamsey.
“They claim they cannot ban galamsey but years ago, galamsey was banned in this country. What happened when that ban was enforced?
Are they saying they didn’t know how to govern back then or was it just a trial-and-error approach,” he questioned.
Alhaji Naziru also pointed out that when the previous galamsey ban was in place, even small-scale mining was prohibited. He accused the NPP of using the issue of galamsey for political gain.
“NPP party leaders are saying they need funds for their political campaigns, so they allow people to continue mining. Even the NDC is guilty of this, as they’ve indicated their supporters will also engage in galamsey. But by doing this, are we solving the problem or turning it into a partisan issue?” he added.
Alhaji Naziru’s comments highlight growing concerns over the government’s handling of galamsey, which continues to cause severe environmental damage in various regions of Ghana.