The National Coordinator of the District Road Improvement Programme (DRIP), Nii Lantey Vanderpuye, has refuted claims that former President John Dramani Mahama promised to end illegal mining—commonly known as galamsey—within 120 days.
Speaking on Channel One TV’s Breakfast Daily on Thursday, May 8, Vanderpuye clarified that although President Mahama has pledged to tackle illegal mining, he has never committed to a specific timeline.
“It is not a fight that will end in 120 days, and President Mahama did not say anywhere that within 120 days he will end galamsey. He said he will end galamsey, so it could be today, one year, or more,” he explained.
Vanderpuye urged the public to assess the administration’s anti-galamsey efforts based on ongoing commitment rather than unrealistic expectations for quick results.
“What we should focus on is the effort being put into the fight and the level of commitment being shown, which we all need to support to end this menace,” he added.
His comments come amid continued public debate over the pace and effectiveness of the anti-galamsey campaign, and whether it aligns with broader claims about the administration’s early performance.
In a related development, Minister of Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, has announced plans to repeal Legislative Instrument (L.I.) 2462, which currently allows mining activities in forest reserves, as part of broader efforts to tighten environmental protection.
