Nana Ayew Afriye, MP for Effiduase/Asokore, condemned the NDC for allegedly importing foreign miners to engage in illegal mining, undermining river bodies and aiming to disrupt NPP’s political stability ahead of elections. He emphasized the NPP’s commitment to combatting this issue while allowing legitimate small-scale mining to continue.
Nana Ayew Afriye, the Member of Parliament representing Effiduase/Asokore in Ghana’s Ashanti Region, has voiced serious allegations against the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), claiming they have engaged in the deliberate destruction of river bodies across the nation. He asserts that the NDC is importing foreign nationals from Togo and Burkina Faso to participate in illegal mining activities, commonly referred to as “galamsey,” as part of a strategy to destabilize regions that typically support the New Patriotic Party (NPP). During a campaign gathering, which was broadcasted by GHOne TV, Mr. Afriye expressed that the NDC’s actions stem from apprehension regarding the NPP’s imminent electoral victories, particularly in constituencies affected by illicit mining. He asserted, “God has placed us as number one because He wants us to win. The voice of the people is the voice of God. God speaks through us.” Mr. Afriye backed his claims by referencing recent research suggesting that, should elections be conducted presently, the NPP would secure an additional 18 parliamentary seats. He contended that the NDC’s imports of foreign miners are attempts to counteract this electoral momentum, stating, “Small-scale mining is different from what the Togolese and Burkinabes that the NDC has imported into the country to mine.” Furthermore, he reinforced the NPP’s commitment to combatting illegal mining on water bodies while allowing legal small-scale mining operations to continue. He articulated his position, emphasizing, “We are going after them. The operation that we started this week, we will make sure that we get such people.” Mr. Afriye cautioned against the risks of opposition interference designed to create confusion leading up to the elections, maintaining that the NPP remains resolute in its quest to eliminate illegal mining activities. He highlighted that the recent offensive against galamsey has garnered significant public support, with numerous citizens advocating for decisive governmental action, while protests organized by groups such as Democracy Hub have called for an end to these detrimental practices. In summary, the MP proclaimed, “We won’t stop people who indulge in galamsey today, and we won’t stop them tomorrow. There is a difference between mining in the forest and mining in waterbodies.”
The opposition between the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in Ghana has intensified, particularly regarding the contentious issue of illegal mining, known locally as galamsey. This illegal practice, which often involves the exploitation of river bodies and other natural resources, has become detrimental to the environment and has sparked public outcry for governmental action. MPs from the ruling party are now framing the opposition as responsible for these activities, alleging that they are politically motivated actions aimed at subverting NPP’s electoral gains.
The statements made by Nana Ayew Afriye reflect significant allegations against the NDC regarding their involvement in illegal mining activities through the importation of foreign nationals. The calls for decisive action against galamsey resonate within a broader context of environmental concerns and electoral politics in Ghana. As the NPP prepares for upcoming elections, it is determined to address illegal mining while maintaining its political stronghold.
Original Source: www.ghanaweb.com
