The Greater Accra Regional Organiser of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Anthony Nukpenu, has expressed dissatisfaction with the government’s efforts to tackle illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, warning that the current approach is not meeting the expectations of Ghanaians.

Speaking on Adom TV’s Badwam, Mr Nukpenu said the continued destruction of forests and water bodies suggests that more needs to be done to strengthen the fight against illegal mining.

According to him, the government must critically assess whether agencies tasked with combating galamsey have been given the necessary resources and equipment to effectively carry out their mandate.

“We should be asking ourselves if NAIMOS have been given the right tools to fight galamsey. How can they be using a Toyota Hilux when the galamseyers are using a Tundra and an F150?” he questioned.

He said authorities must adopt a more proactive approach rather than reacting after environmental damage has already occurred.

“We should be highly proactive. I have driven around some of these forest areas and I am not happy with what I see,” he said.

Mr Nukpenu said many Ghanaians are frustrated by the continued degradation of the country’s natural resources, blaming the situation on what he described as selfishness and negligence by some individuals.

“Ghanaians are not happy with the galamsey situation because some people have been selfish, greedy, and nonchalant,” he stated.

He questioned why the owners of mining concessions linked to illegal activities have not been held accountable for allowing their lands to be destroyed.

“Are we saying we don’t know the owners of these concessions? We should haul them and ask why the owner has allowed illegal miners to destroy the land,” he said.

The NDC organiser also criticised what he described as a contradiction in the country’s approach to the fight against illegal mining, recalling previous opposition to environmental destruction under the former New Patriotic Party (NPP) administration.

“We fought against the NPP on the wickedness of the environment, so if today people are on the same road, I am not happy,” he said.

Mr Nukpenu called on the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, and his team to review their performance targets and assess whether they are achieving the expected results.

“The Lands Minister and his team should review their KPIs to ascertain whether they are meeting their mandate. Who are these people who continue to destroy our water and forest?” he asked.

He further questioned why the country continues to struggle with illegal mining despite years of public discussions and interventions.

“Why are we still paying lip service to this menace?” he queried.

Mr Nukpenu added that the impact of illegal mining is already affecting communities, particularly through the pollution of water bodies.

He noted that rising turbidity levels in some water sources have left some communities without access to safe water, forcing residents to spend extra money purchasing water for their daily needs.