Former Member of Parliament for Ablekuma Central, Ebenezer Gilbert Nii Narh Nartey, has expressed deep frustration over the government’s approach to illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, describing the fight as ineffective and futile.

Speaking on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem morning show, Nii Narh Nartey claimed that the government lacks the political will to decisively address the menace.

“We should stop talking about it; we are wasting our time and energy because we can’t fight galamsey,” he stated.

He also criticised the National Democratic Congress (NDC), accusing the governing party of backtracking on its campaign promises regarding the galamsey fight.

According to him, the NDC, which pledged to end galamsey within a week of assuming office, has failed to deliver on that promise.

“The energy with which the NDC spoke against galamsey before the elections has completely changed. What happened to their promise of providing alternative jobs to galamsey operators?” he questioned.

Nii Narh Nartey further challenged President John Mahama to take bold action if he is indeed serious about addressing illegal mining.

“If Mahama truly has the people of this country at heart and claims he can handle galamsey, then he could have called for a state of emergency to address the issue,” he added.