Minority Chief Whip and Member of Parliament (MP) for Nsawam-Adoagyiri, Mr Frank Annoh-Dompreh, has launched a strong attack on the handling of illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey by the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC), describing the continued catastrophic destruction of the water bodies, forests and livelihoods as a matter of national concern.
According to him, the galamsey crisis has moved beyond the realm of political campaigning and become an issue with serious consequences for the survival and wellbeing of communities across the country.
Mr Annoh-Dompreh made the comments on Saturday after casting his ballot in the NPP Eastern Regional Executives Elections at Asamankese, where he also spoke to journalists about the party’s rebuilding efforts and issues likely to shape its political agenda.
He said the environmental consequences of illegal mining were too severe to be treated merely as a campaign slogan, pointing to the destruction of water bodies, flora and fauna as evidence of what he described as a growing national crisis.
“For me, it’s a matter of life and death,” Mr Annoh-Dompreh said, stressing that the issue was fundamentally about livelihoods and the destruction of the natural resources.
He raised particular concern about the Birim River, one of the major water bodies in the Eastern Region, saying increasing levels of turbidity were becoming dangerous.
The MP also linked the environmental damage caused by illegal mining to broader climate-related concerns, including changing rainfall patterns and the sustainability of Ghana’s natural environment.
‘Galamsey eating deep Into Accra-Kumasi Highway’
Mr Annoh-Dompreh further expressed concern over the alleged expansion of illegal mining activities towards the Accra-Kumasi highway.
He said the situation was unprecedented and questioned why illegal miners appeared to be operating with what he described as impunity.
The MP argued that the continued degradation of the environment raised questions about the effectiveness of environmental governance and the government’s ability to protect critical national assets.
His comments come against the backdrop of longstanding concerns over the impact of illegal mining on rivers, forests, agricultural lands and communities.
Disappointment with Mahama government
Mr Annoh-Dompreh also turned his attention to President John Dramani Mahama, saying the NPP had expected the current administration to approach the galamsey crisis differently, given the President’s previous experience in public service.
He said the situation had become disappointing, particularly for Ghanaians who voted for a change in government with expectations of better governance and stronger management of environmental issues.
The NPP legislator said the government would have to answer questions about the continued activities of illegal miners and the damage being done to the country’s natural resources.
‘Galamsey to be part of NPP’s campaign message’
While acknowledging that galamsey would form part of the NPP’s future political messaging, Mr Annoh-Dompreh insisted that the party would not manufacture issues in a boardroom simply for electoral purposes.
He said the party’s campaign agenda would instead emerge from the concerns of ordinary Ghanaians.
According to him, issues such as environmental degradation, the cost of living, governance and corruption would naturally become part of the political conversation because they directly affect citizens.
“Campaign messages will come from the people,” he said, stressing that the NPP would focus on issues that resonate with the public.
NPP begins rebuilding after 2024 defeat
The MP’s comments came as the NPP continues efforts to reorganise its structures following its defeat in the 2024 general elections.
Mr Annoh-Dompreh acknowledged that the party had faced significant challenges in several constituencies, including areas traditionally regarded as its strongholds.
He said the NPP had recognised those challenges and was now working to overcome them through internal discussions involving its parliamentary group, regional structures and grassroots supporters.
He described the parliamentary group as an important component of the party’s rebuilding process and expressed hope that the newly elected regional executives would work closely with the MPs to strengthen the party’s advocacy and electoral machinery.
NPP targets lost seats
Mr Annoh-Dompreh said the NPP’s objective was not simply to increase its parliamentary numbers but to reclaim constituencies lost during the 2024 elections.
He acknowledged that the task would not be easy but maintained that the party had learnt from its previous challenges and was preparing to compete strongly in the next electoral cycle.
He said constituencies that the NPP had previously considered safe had become difficult contests, citing the experience of his own constituency and other traditional seats across the country.
Government’s approach to corruption cases questioned
Beyond galamsey, the Nsawam-Adoagyiri MP also criticised aspects of the government’s approach to corruption-related cases before the courts.
He questioned the use of nolle prosequi in cases involving individuals accused of wrongdoing against the state, arguing that such developments would form part of the NPP’s assessment of the government’s record on accountability and the fight against corruption.
He said the party would rely on concerns raised by citizens rather than simply constructing political messages internally.
He therefore called for stronger collaboration between the NPP’s incoming regional leadership, the parliamentary group and grassroots structures as the party works to rebuild its political fortunes and present itself as a credible alternative to the governing NDC.
By Collins Adu-Gyamfi
