Economic Adviser at the Office of the Vice President, Professor Sharif Mahmud Khalid, has questioned whether Ghanaians genuinely acknowledge the efforts being made by the John Mahama administration to address illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey.

Speaking on JoyNews’ Newsfile on Saturday, he argued that the government is doing its best to curb the menace, and urged the public to recognise the steps being taken to tackle the issue.

Speaking on some improvement in the fight against the menace, he argued, "What brings about the improvement? It is the efforts by the government of the day."

"I don't think this should be about NDC or NPP, who campaigns about what. As a political party, we campaigned that if we come, we will help salvage this galamsey problem. Are we not putting these steps in place? Are several measures not put in place?" he quizzed.

His remarks come amid heightened pressure on the government to declare a state of emergency to deal decisively with illegal mining.

Watch his full comment below: