Dr. Tony Aidoo, a leading figure in the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and former Senior Presidential Aide, has issued a sharp rebuke of President John Mahama for failing to take decisive action against illegal mining, commonly referred to as galamsey.
In an interview with Joy News on July 17, Dr. Aidoo stressed that the Mahama administration has just six months to make meaningful progress in combating the galamsey crisis—or risk eroding public trust and jeopardizing the party’s chances in the 2028 general elections.
“Galamsey is slowly killing us,” he warned. “Our rivers are polluted, our food is contaminated with heavy metals, and people live in fear. You drink water and question if it’s safe. You eat and wonder what’s in it.”
Dr. Aidoo also criticized the previous Akufo-Addo administration for neglecting the issue and urged the current government not to repeat those mistakes. He warned that failure to act could have severe political consequences.
He expressed particular concern over allegations that a Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) in the Ashanti Region is involved in illegal mining, questioning President Mahama’s silence on the matter.
“There’s no response. What is the President doing?” he asked pointedly.
Although he acknowledged some government efforts—including the Blue Water Initiative and the appointment of the Precious Minerals Marketing Company (Gold Board) as the sole legal gold buyer—Dr. Aidoo argued these measures fall short in the face of ongoing illegal mining.
“Policies alone won't work if galamsey continues unchecked. We must stop this destruction of our rivers and forests now,” he stated.
Calling for stronger enforcement, Dr. Aidoo recommended deploying two battalions—roughly 1,000 soldiers—to dismantle illegal operations.
“Flush them out. If necessary, shoot to kill—because they are killing us. This is an assault on our national survival,” he declared.
Despite giving the current administration a 70 percent overall performance rating, Dr. Aidoo said its
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