The National Democratic Congress (NDC) flagbearer, John Dramani Mahama, has responded to President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo's call for him to clarify his stance on illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey.
While addressing party supporters in the Greater Accra region on Thursday, October 17, Mahama emphasized that it is Akufo-Addo, not anyone else, whom Ghanaians elected as president, and it is his duty to address the issue instead of challenging his political opponents.
“President Akufo-Addo said I should make my position on galamsey clear, but it seems he’s unaware that I have spoken about it repeatedly,” Mahama remarked.
He noted that he had previously outlined his policy on small-scale mining during a one-hour presentation at the University of Energy and Natural Resources, followed by a two-hour question-and-answer session.
“President Akufo-Addo should ask the Jubilee House press to show him my presentation on galamsey at the University of Mines and Natural Resources. When I recently met with religious leaders, I again spoke about galamsey and small-scale mining.”
Mahama concluded by saying, “It is his responsibility as the elected president of Ghana to tackle the issue of galamsey now. After January 7, 2025, when Ghanaians elect me, I will take on that responsibility and we will put a stop to illegal mining.”
This response follows President Akufo-Addo’s earlier challenge to Mahama during a thank-you tour of the North East region, urging him to declare his stance on the galamsey issue.