A member of the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) National Communication Team, Ellen Ama Daaku, has called on President John Dramani Mahama to take decisive action against persons within his government who may be involved in illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.

Speaking on GTV on August 7, 2026, she said the fight against galamsey is difficult but requires strong political will, adding that President Mahama must not shield any appointee found to be engaging in activities that worsen the menace.

“President Mahama did tell us that he knows that certain members of his government are also involved in the galamsey. Fighting galamsey is tough. It can be as tough as hell,” she said.

She argued that the galamsey crisis has significantly affected the Mahama administration, particularly following the death of Defence Minister Dr Edward Kofi Omane Boamah and other officials in a military helicopter crash while on an assignment linked to efforts against illegal mining.

“If there is any president who has lost because of galamsey, it is His Excellency John Dramani Mahama. Members of your government, people who are close to you, people you needed to govern, you cannot… A whole Defence Minister cannot die just like that because of galamsey,” she stated.

'I'm jobless and can't pay my rent now because of President Mahama - NPP's Ama Daaku

Ellen Daaku further questioned why some local government officials would allegedly issue receipts to illegal miners and collect money from them.
“I still do not understand how an MCE thinks it is okay to give receipts to illegal miners and collect money from them,” she added.

She called on President Mahama to take action against officials who engage in acts that undermine the fight against illegal mining.

JKB/AM

NPP hits Accra streets for 'Democracy Under Attack' demonstration