Majority Leader and Member of Parliament for Bawku Central, Mahama Ayariga, has declared that President John Dramani Mahama will not shield any government appointee or party official found involved in illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.
Speaking on the floor of Parliament, Mr Ayariga emphasised that the Mahama administration has adopted a zero-tolerance approach towards any official complicit in the destructive activity.
“Today, any government official found to be aiding and abetting will be arrested,” the Majority Leader stated.
“Any party official, no matter how high — whether you are at the national level or at the regional level — the President will not say anything. He will allow the due process of the law to deal with you,” he added.
The strong warning came in response to concerns raised by the Minority Chief Whip, Frank Annoh-Dompreh, who called for weekly updates from the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources on the ongoing destruction of forest reserves and water bodies due to galamsey.
Mr Ayariga contrasted the current administration’s stance with what he described as the previous Akufo-Addo government’s failure to act decisively against influential figures implicated in illegal mining.
He cited past instances where “certain regional chairmen were known to be openly involved in galamsey” yet faced no consequences, and reports submitted by ministers were allegedly ignored.
The Majority Leader assured the House that President Mahama is fully committed to allowing the law to take its course without interference, marking a clear departure from previous administrations.