The National Democratic Congress (NDC) Council of Elders Chairman for South Africa, Benjamin Kofi Quashie, has criticised the New Patriotic Party (NPP) government over the issuance of over 100 mining licenses after losing the 2024 elections.

Contributing to a panel discussion on the Joy Prime Morning Show on Tuesday, January 28, 2025, Mr. Quashie described the action from the Nana Akufo-Addo government as disrespectful to Ghanaians.

“If we are all in the process of righting the wrongs, which have created environmental problems for us, and then licenses are still being issued after you have lost an election, then President Nana Akufo-Addo and the NPP have not taken Ghanaians seriously,” stressed Mr. Quashie.

He added that if President Akufo-Addo had the slightest respect for Ghanaians, stemming from the monumental environmental damage mining has wrought on the nation, he wouldn’t have issued even one license, especially after his party lost the election.

Juxtaposing the constitutional amendments to the mining license issuance, Mr. Quashie suggested that the Presidential Transition Act should be re-examined.

“Certain portions need to be repealed to prevent a president or government that has lost elections from making major decisions while leaving office,” he said, underscoring that an outgoing party cannot hide behind legalities to plunge the country into chaos or unreasonably overburden the incoming government. “It has not helped in this present circumstance and has not helped previously,” he stated.

The NDC SA Council of Elders chair averred that with the overwhelming NDC majority in Parliament, and with the overarching vision of contributing to governance, “I think the NDC would repeal most of these laws that have not augured well for our governance system,” Mr. Quashie hinted.

In conclusion, Mr. Quashie underscored the fact that it is still early days yet, suggesting he has a strong conviction that President Mahama will strengthen the legal framework to help combat the canker of illegal mining. “We have a duty to perform so that the Ghanaian people don’t lose hope in trusting the NDC with their mandate.