Deputy CEO of the Minerals Commission, Isaac Andrews Tandoh, has dismissed claims that illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey, has worsened under the administration of former President John Dramani Mahama.
Speaking at a press briefing in Accra on March 26, Tandoh expressed surprise at the opposition New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) criticism, questioning why they failed to address the issue during their eight years in power.
“I beg to differ from the NPP’s point of view. I am actually surprised that somebody who has been in power for eight years and couldn’t do anything about something, and looking at what we have done within the last two months, this is what they have to say—then it’s a little bit disappointing,” he remarked.
He emphasized that tackling illegal mining requires strong political will, something he believes Mahama has demonstrated.
“If you look at this whole galamsey fight, it is about political will, and for John Dramani Mahama’s administration, they demonstrated that he is out to wage that war against galamsey,” Tandoh added.
