The Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Godfred Yeboah Dame, has condemned the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) for its stance on the government’s handling of illegal mining, known as galamsey.
He argues that the NDC lacks the moral authority to complain about the damage caused by this issue.
According to Mr. Yeboah Dame, the NDC’s past efforts to combat galamsey were ineffective and should not serve as a basis for criticism of the current government.
He described the NDC’s track record in addressing the problem as “wretched and miserable”, asserting that they did not manage to apprehend or prosecute any major figures involved in illegal mining during the Mahama administration.
In a press release issued on Wednesday, October 18, he emphasized that during the previous Mahama administration, the NDC was unable to apprehend or bring to justice a single influential figure involved in illegal mining activities in the country.
“I consider it ironic for the NDC, whose record in the fight against Galamsey can be described at best, as wretched and miserable, to mount personal attacks on me for the brave efforts in the fight against Galamsey.”
“The record shows that the NDC woefully failed and/or neglected to arrest and prosecute a single kingpin of Galamsey, including the touted Galamsey queen, Aisha Huang.”
Additionally, in response to the party’s call for his resignation due to the guidance provided by his office to the CID regarding Professor Frimpong-Boateng’s report, Mr. Dame highlighted his success in the arrest and prosecution of Aisha Huang.
He asserted that his exemplary efforts led to the apprehension and ongoing prosecution of Ms. Huang.
“It is noted that all acts committed by Aisha Huang for which she gained notoriety, took place between 2014 and 2016.”
“However, remarkably, it was the current NPP administration which commenced the prosecution of Aisha Huan in 2018.”
Mr. Dame remained unimpressed with the NDC’s actions against the menace, citing their inadequate penalties for galamsey operators during their time in office.
Despite this, he maintained that “no significant convictions for Galamsey offences were recorded in the regime of the NDC when that political party had the opportunity to govern.”
“Their Flagbearer before the 2020 General Elections, openly declared amnesty for all those arrested for engaging in Galamsey activities in communities affected by the heinous environmental hazard.”