New Patriotic Party (NPP) Member of Parliament for Effiduase Asokore and Chairman of Parliament’s Health Committee, Dr. Ayew Afriyie, has issued a stern warning to the Democracy Hub demonstrators planning to protest against illegal mining, known as galamsey, in Kumasi.

He dared the group to come to the city to voice their concerns, suggesting that they would encounter significant danger if they went ahead with their plans.

His issued the threat during the launch in Kumasi of a campaign group for Vice President and NPP flagbearer, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia.

Expressing his discontent with the protesters' motivations Dr. Afriyie criticised the demonstrators, accusing them of pursuing political agendas aimed at undermining the government's initiatives to tackle the galamsey issue.

He emphasised that the NPP is committed to addressing illegal mining while also considering the livelihoods of communities dependent on the sector.

The lawmaker reassured that the government is actively seeking sustainable solutions and does not endorse an outright ban on mining activities.

Highlighting the complexities of the galamsey debate, the MP pointed out that it involves a variety of stakeholders, including local miners and businesses.

He urged the demonstrators to engage in constructive dialogue with the government and industry representatives rather than resorting to public protests, which he argued would only escalate tensions within the community.

Dr. Afriyie further cautioned that protests in Kumasi could lead to unrest and disruptions, which would not be tolerated.

He expressed concern for the safety of both the demonstrators and the general public, warning that any resulting unrest could tarnish the community's reputation and stability.

Reiterating the NPP's commitment to addressing the galamsey issue, Dr. Afriyie underscored the party's focus on sustainable practices and community engagement as part of their broader strategy to balance economic interests with environmental concerns.

"The NDC saw that we (NPP) were winning the seats in the mining areas. So they decided to go and import foreigners and engage in illegal mining on our waterbodies. The whole waterbodies have not been a problem and just started one month ago. It is someone behind that so that so that the NPP government stop galamsey and speedily stop galamsey so that we will lose the seats. We won’t stop them (galamseyers) today or tomorrow."

"Then they take their journalists to talk about it. Is galamsey done in Accra. They should come to Kumasi to demonstrate against galamsey. Like they will see," he said.