Dennis Miracles Aboagye, Director of Communications for the Bawumia campaign, has called on the government to focus inward in its fight against illegal mining, urging authorities to hold their own officials accountable instead of shifting blame to previous administrations.
His remarks come after President John Dramani Mahama acknowledged that illegal mining—commonly known as galamsey—cuts across political lines, traditional authorities, and even individuals within his own circles. The President admitted the battle would be difficult but stressed the need to press on.
Speaking on JoyNews’ Newsfile on Saturday, March 21, Mr Aboagye criticised what he described as an “ostrich approach” to the crisis. He warned that repeatedly admitting the problem without taking decisive action risks eroding public trust.
According to him, tackling galamsey was a key campaign promise that helped bring the current administration to power, and Ghanaians are still expecting clear, measurable results.
“Deal with your own—the people you trusted,” he said, emphasising that true leadership begins with internal accountability.
Mr Aboagye also dismissed attempts to portray recent acknowledgements of involvement by members of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) as a breakthrough, arguing that such revelations are neither new nor sufficient.
“We can’t clap for you for knowing what everybody already knew,” he remarked. “The real question is: what have you done about it?”
He insisted that the government must move beyond rhetoric and take swift, visible action against offenders within its ranks, noting that public confidence hinges on enforcement, not just statements.
He further urged President Mahama to prioritise results over public admissions, stressing that leadership demands confronting uncomfortable truths and enforcing discipline at all levels of government.
Mr Aboagye concluded that only bold and consistent action will make a real impact in the fight against galamsey, warning that anything less could undermine both the government’s promises and the trust of the Ghanaian people.