The Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod), Sammy Gyamfi, has criticised the former New Patriotic Party (NPP) administration over its handling of illegal mining, accusing it of targeting individuals who spoke out against the practice rather than confronting the menace.
He argued that the fight against illegal mining was misdirected under former President Nana Akufo-Addo, claiming that people who campaigned against galamsey became victims of the government’s actions.
“In 2024, there was no fight against illegal mining in Ghana under President Akufo-Addo. The fight was rather against those fighting illegal mining. Some were arrested and put into prison cells,” he said.
Mr Gyamfi contrasted the former administration’s approach with that of President John Dramani Mahama, arguing that the current government had demonstrated a stronger commitment to tackling illegal mining and protecting the country’s natural resources.
He made the remarks in an interview on UTV Ghana on Friday, where he criticised the previous government’s record and highlighted what he described as the Mahama administration’s resolve to confront galamsey.
