Lawyer and spokesperson for Kennedy Agyapong, Kwasi Kwarteng, has called on the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) to take full responsibility for the ongoing fight against illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.

Speaking on the AM Show on Joy News, Kwarteng argued that the NDC, having previously criticised the New Patriotic Party (NPP) government for its handling of the issue, must now own and lead the fight since it is in power.

“We want to state it clearly that no Ghanaian is going to take the responsibility of fighting galamsey. Let President Mahama and the NDC take that responsibility,” he stated.

Kwasi Kwarteng accused the NDC of “weaponising” the galamsey fight during the previous administration, claiming they portrayed it as a problem created and sustained by then-President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and his appointees.

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“When just a few months ago, you people weaponised the fight against galamsey, we kept reminding you and telling you to stop politicising it and rather find a holistic solution. You said it was an Akufo-Addo problem,” he said.

He added that the NDC had promised to fix the illegal mining challenge once it assumed office, pointing to specific commitments outlined in its manifesto.

“In page 76 of your manifesto, you listed clear points on how you were going to address galamsey. This was your own document, signed and assented to by President Mahama. So please, take your responsibility,” he stressed.

Kwasi Kwarteng, however, noted that the NPP would be willing to support the government if called upon, but insisted that the fight should be led by the current administration.

“If you need us to come and help you, fair deal, we’ll all come and help. But galamsey is not a Ghanaian problem. It’s your responsibility now,” he added.

The issue of illegal mining remains one of Ghana’s most pressing environmental and political challenges. Successive governments have struggled to curb the menace, which continues to threaten water bodies, farmlands, and communities across the country.

The NDC, in its 2024 manifesto, pledged to adopt a more community-driven and sustainable approach to addressing the problem.