New Patriotic Party (NPP) Deputy General Secretary, Haruna Mohammed, has accused President John Mahama of abandoning the Ghanaian people in the fight against illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey.

He levelled the allegation during a discussion on JoyNews’ Newsfile programme on Saturday, June 21.

According to Mr Mohammed, President Mahama has shown little political will to tackle the environmental destruction caused by galamsey, despite mounting public concern over its impact on water bodies, agriculture, and livelihoods.

“The President has simply turned his back on Ghanaians on this critical issue. He campaigned on change, yet remains silent as our forests and rivers disappear,” he stated.

He argued that the President’s silence and inaction contradict his promises of sustainable development and responsible governance.

Mr Mohammed questioned the government's commitment, stating, “We cannot continue to watch while galamsey operators destroy our environment. Leadership means taking difficult decisions — and on this, the President has failed.”

Mr Mohammed urged civil society, traditional leaders, and concerned citizens to hold the Mahama-led administration accountable.

He called on the President to lead with urgency and transparency in confronting the illegal mining menace, insisting that “the time for excuses is over — what Ghanaians need now is action.”