Lawyer and spokesperson for Kennedy Agyapong, Kwasi Kwarteng, has urged the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government to take full responsibility for the fight against illegal mining, widely known in Ghana as galamsey.

Speaking on the AM Show on Joy News, Kwarteng argued that the NDC, which now governs the country, must lead the anti-galamsey campaign with seriousness and accountability, especially after heavily criticising the New Patriotic Party (NPP) administration over the same issue.

He accused the NDC of “weaponising” the galamsey fight during the tenure of former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, claiming the opposition then portrayed the menace as one created and sustained by the NPP. “When just a few months ago, you people weaponised the fight against galamsey, we kept reminding you and telling you to stop politicising it and rather find a holistic solution. You said it was an Akufo-Addo problem,” he said.

According to Kwarteng, the NDC made clear promises in its 2024 manifesto to tackle illegal mining once in power. He therefore called on the party to honour those commitments and take ownership of the process. “If you need us to come and help you, fair deal, we’ll all come and help. But galamsey is not a Ghanaian problem. It’s your responsibility now,” he added.

Illegal mining remains one of Ghana’s most persistent environmental and economic challenges. Despite various government interventions over the years, the activity continues to destroy water bodies, degrade farmlands, and threaten livelihoods across mining communities.

The NDC, in its 2024 manifesto, pledged to introduce a community-driven and sustainable approach to addressing galamsey, promising to balance environmental protection with local economic development. However, critics say the true test of the government’s resolve will be in its ability to implement meaningful, long-term solutions to the crisis.