Deal with NDC members involved in galamsey – Franklin Cudjoe to Mahama

Franklin Cudjoe, President of IMANI Africa, has called on President John Dramani Mahama to take strong action against members of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) allegedly involved in illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey.

Speaking during an interview with Selorm Adonoo on Channel One TV’s The Big Issue on Saturday, December 20, Mr. Cudjoe warned that vested interests are undermining the government’s efforts to end the practice.

Mr. Cudjoe said, “It’s a vested interest. Those who are benefiting are partaking in this illegal trade. I feel very sad that this still continuing. I hope that we will find common sense one of these days and say enough is enough.

“I believe President Mahama really wants to stop this. Right? If indeed he wants to stop it, he should look out for those vested interests within the party [NDC] who are behind and making this thing continue as a lucrative business.”

He expressed concern over lawmakers reportedly visiting lands they claimed as ancestral property, stressing that repealing laws alone is insufficient.

Mr. Cudjoe recommended that President Mahama establish KPIs for his appointees to strengthen efforts against galamsey.

“I worry greatly that some MPs have been named to have visited some lands that they thought belonged to their parents. We can repeal all the laws we want, but if we don’t follow it up with real action, I don’t think this thing can be solved any moment from now.

“Seriously, the President’s team must wake up and start doing some serious work. Maybe he should set KPIs on NAIMOS, sector ministers, if they don’t get this done within a certain period, then we can question them and probably ask them to leave their positions,” he said.

Mr. Cudjoe’s remarks follow the government’s revocation of Legislative Instrument (L.I.) 2462 on December 10, 2025. The Environmental Protection (Mining in Forest Reserves) Revocation Instrument, 2025 was laid in Parliament by the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, as part of renewed efforts to combat illegal mining.

While the move demonstrates the government’s commitment to curbing environmental degradation caused by galamsey, critics like Cudjoe are urging stronger enforcement and accountability measures to ensure lasting impact.