Security analyst and retired military officer, Colonel Festus Aboagye, has questioned the credibility of the fight against illegal mining, in light of allegations that some politicians and politically exposed persons are directly involved in the practice.

Col. Aboagye asked why national resources, energy, and human lives are being expended on a campaign that appears compromised at its core.

“If the political class themselves are in the business of galamsey, among other reasons for political party financing, then what is this that we are going to waste people's time, energies, and lives to be going around the country pretending that they are addressing the galamsey?" he said on Joy FM’s Super Morning Show on Friday.

He argued that the fight against illegal mining cannot be won if the political class remains untouched, adding that meaningful progress would only begin when implicated politicians are held accountable and demonstrate a sincere commitment to ending the menace.

"So we need to address that political factor. There is no other way than the president to be candid."

Col. Aboagye explained that targeting only the foot soldiers of illegal mining operations, while ignoring the powerful figures who finance or shield them, renders the entire campaign ineffective and disingenuous.