The 2024 Presidential Candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama, has told President Nana Akufo-Addo that it is his responsibility to address the issue of illegal mining, commonly known as "galamsey," while he remains in office.

Mr Mahama reminded the President that he was elected by Ghanaians to deal with the country’s pressing issues, including illegal mining.

“You are currently the president of Ghana, and it is your responsibility to deal with galamsey now,” he said.

Speaking at a rally in Ningo Prampram during his three-day tour of the Greater Accra Region, he assured the public that, should he be elected in 2025, he would take full responsibility and address the menace.

“I know that after January 7, 2025, when Ghanaians have elected me as their new President, I will take that responsibility, and we will sort out illegal mining from there,” he added.

Mr Mahama’s comments come in response to a recent statement by President Akufo-Addo, urging him to clearly state his position on the fight against galamsey.

In his address, Mr Mahama suggested that the President might not be fully informed about his stance, as he has spoken extensively on the issue on multiple platforms.

“It looks like he doesn’t live in this country because I have commented on galamsey over and over again.

“The University of Energy and Natural Resources gave political leaders the platform to outline their policy on small-scale mining. And for a whole hour, I outlined NDC’s policy and after that, there were questions and answers for another two hours,” he stated.

The Presidential candidate further noted that he had also addressed the galamsey issue in recent meetings with the clergy.

“So there is a lot that I have said on galamsey. So he [President Akufo-Addo] should just tell his media team to get him the tape of what I said at the University of Energy and Natural Resources,” he stated.