The Minority Caucus in Parliament has accused state officials of shielding illegal mining aka galamsey networks and fostering a dangerous culture of political violence.

In a petition signed by the Minority Leader, Patricia Appiagyei, on Thursday, July 24, submitted to the Presidency, the NPP MPs allege that high-ranking public officers, political operatives, and elements within security agencies are complicit in the galamsey crisis and recent acts of electoral violence.

The Minority claims the galamsey crisis has escalated under the current administration, describing it as a national emergency.

“Since January 2025, the destruction wrought by illegal mining has intensified at an alarming rate, including in your own hometown of Bole Bamboi. The Yonkamba stream—a lifeline for your people—now flows with poison rather than promise,” the petition reads.

The group cites environmental data showing a 17% increase in river turbidity and a 9% forest cover loss within just six months.

“This is not a political statistic; it is a national tragedy,” the Caucus warns.

It further alleges that rather than dismantling galamsey operations, “District Chief Executives, political operatives, and elements of our security forces have become their shield and enablers.”

The Minority urges the President to act swiftly by declaring a national state of emergency in illegal mining zones, repealing Legislative Instrument 2462, and prosecuting all complicit officials.

It also calls for the creation of an independent commission to oversee environmental recovery and a comprehensive national afforestation programme.

“The blood of our rivers is the blood of our people. Our forests are falling, our water is poisoned, and our integrity as a nation is on trial. We demand truth, justice, and action,” the petition concludes.

The Caucus also mentioned the violence that characterised the Ablekuma North parliamentary election rerun held on July 11.

It said the election was marred by organised violence, impersonation of security personnel, and attacks on opposition figures and journalists.

The Minority describes the events as a “deliberate, premeditated campaign aimed at subverting the electoral process.”

“Hon. Mavis Hawa Koomson, Nana Akua Owusu Afriyie, and Hon. Dakoa Newman were physically assaulted. Thugs dressed like security personnel created confusion at polling centres. Journalists from JoyNews and GHOne TV were attacked, with one assaulted by a police officer,” the petition recounts.

The Caucus claims these incidents reflect a growing pattern of electoral violence and institutional silence.

It cited public comments by Dr. Hanna Bissiw and Mr. Malik Basintale as examples of state officials glorifying violence.

“Their public endorsements of brutality against political opponents and journalists fundamentally contradict the values of the rule of law and peace that underpin democratic governance,” the petition states.