Vincent Ekow Assafuah, Member of Parliament for Old Tafo, has sharply criticized the government for what he describes as a blatant contradiction in its stance against illegal mining (galamsey).
His concerns stem from the launch of the Association of China (Ghana) Mining Limited by Guarantee (LBG) on April 3, 2025. The event was attended by the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah; Chinese Ambassador to Ghana, Tong Defa; and prominent businessman Ibrahim Mahama, brother of former President John Dramani Mahama.
In a Facebook post sighted by MyNewsGh, Assafuah argued that while the government publicly claims to be combating illegal mining, its actions suggest otherwise.
“The government continues to trumpet its so-called commitment to the fight against illegal mining, yet its actions paint a very different picture,” he wrote.
He stressed that the move undermines ongoing efforts to curb environmental destruction, especially at a time when Ghana’s rivers remain heavily polluted and forest reserves are being degraded.
“Every Ghanaian must ask: how serious is the government about protecting our environment when it is openly endorsing the very interests responsible for environmental destruction?” he questioned.
Assafuah referenced recent remarks by Bawumia Campaign spokesperson Dennis Miracles Aboagye, who described the condition of water bodies in Agona East as "catastrophic." According to Assafuah, rather than taking firm action, the government appears to be “rolling out the red carpet” for more mining activities.
He further described the launch of the China-Ghana mining body as a "polished betrayal" of the public’s trust.
“Until there are binding assurances of transparency, accountability, and real benefits for ordinary Ghanaians, this launch should be seen for what it truly is: a reinforcement of state capture and a betrayal of the national interest,” he emphasized.
Assafuah also warned of the broader consequences of illegal mining, describing it as both an environmental and national security threat.
“Every handshake and partnership that disregards the concerns of citizens only deepens the public’s suspicion that our leaders are complicit in this devastation,” he stated.
He concluded by calling for a consistent, patriotic, and uncompromising approach to tackling galamsey, not "mixed signals and dangerous alliances."
Source: MyNewsGh.com
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