Former Minority Leader and Member of Parliament for Tamale South, Haruna Iddrisu, has dismissed attempts to hold former President John Dramani Mahama accountable for the ongoing galamsey (illegal mining) crisis in Ghana, arguing that the responsibility lies solely with the current president, Nana Akufo-Addo.
Speaking at the National Democratic Congress (NDC) campaign launch in Hamile, Lambusie constituency, Mr. Iddrisu emphasized that under the Constitution, all mineral resources in the country are vested in the sitting president.
He expressed surprise that some individuals would attempt to shift the blame to former President Mahama, who has not held executive power since 2017.
“When people talk about galamsey, they forget one important thing,” Mr. Iddrisu pointed out. “They should read Article 268 of the Constitution: all mineral resources in Ghana are vested in the president. That president is Nana Akufo-Addo, not John Mahama. If it is not being managed well, if it is being handled in a way that destroys our livelihoods, we will hold Nana Addo solely responsible.”
He urged those attempting to associate John Mahama with the illegal mining issue to reconsider, as the responsibility for managing the country’s mineral resources lies exclusively with the sitting government.
“So, they should stop dragging John Mahama’s name into it,” Iddrisu added. “We did not give John Mahama the power, authority, or mandate today to oversee the proper management of our mineral resources. That responsibility lies with Nana Akufo-Addo.”
Galamsey, an illegal mining activity that has been blamed for widespread environmental degradation, remains a contentious issue in Ghana.
The Akufo-Addo government has faced criticism for its handling of the problem, despite efforts to curtail illegal mining through various initiatives and military interventions.