NPP MP Accuses NDC of Importing Foreign Nationals for Illegal Mining Activities
Nana Ayew Afriye, a Member of Parliament for the NPP, accused the NDC of importing foreign nationals to engage in illegal mining on river bodies, aiming to disrupt the NPP’s electoral prospects. He asserted that the NPP is committed to tackling the issue of illegal mining while distinguishing between legitimate and illegitimate operations. Afriye’s remarks highlight the ongoing political tensions and the fight against galamsey in Ghana.
Nana Ayew Afriye, the Member of Parliament for Effiduase/Asokore in the Ashanti Region, has voiced serious allegations against the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), claiming that the party is instigating the degradation of river bodies nationwide as a means to disrupt the political stability of the nation. The New Patriotic Party (NPP) legislator accused the NDC of importing foreign nationals from Togo and Burkina Faso to participate in illegal mining, commonly known as “galamsey,” along river bodies in an effort to undermine the prospects of the NPP in constituencies traditionally aligned with the party. During a recent campaign event, as shared in a video by GHOne TV, Afriye articulated that these actions by the NDC are driven by an apprehension that the NPP is poised to win additional seats in areas affected by illegal mining ventures. He proclaimed, “God has placed us as number one because He wants us to win. The voice of the people is the voice of God. God speaks through us.” Afriye asserted that recent research indicated the NPP could potentially gain 18 seats if elections were held imminently, suggesting that this possibility incited the NDC to create confusion in the political arena. He differentiated between illegal foreign mining operations and legitimate small-scale mining endeavors, stating, “Small-scale mining is different from what the Togolese and Burkinabes that the NDC has imported into the country to mine.” The MP reaffirmed NPP’s commitment to eradicating illegal mining activities while giving due consideration to legitimate local miners and stressed that operations aimed at detaining illegal foreign miners would continue. He expressed concern over the exploitation of river bodies for mining, stating, “Has water become a problem? Is it not just this one month? Someone is behind all this just to make us stop the galamseyers and lose our seats, but we will not stop them today or tomorrow. What we will stop is those mining on the river bodies.” Nana Ayew Afriye cautioned against opposition attempts to incite chaos and reassured the public that the NPP would persist in its initiatives against illegal mining. Recently, public advocacy against galamsey has intensified, with numerous citizens urging the government to take substantive action against illegal mining practices, leading to demonstrations and some protestors facing legal repercussions.
The discourse surrounding illegal mining, known as “galamsey” in Ghana, has garnered significant attention due to its detrimental effects on the environment, particularly river bodies. The involvement of foreign nationals in these activities has become a contentious issue, as various political factions utilize the situation to bolster their narratives. The NPP, currently in power, has been vocal about its efforts to combat illegal mining, as it poses a risk to both the ecological landscape and their political standing. The NDC, as the main opposition party, has been accused of various tactics to discredit the ruling government, leading to heightened tensions leading into upcoming elections. Understanding these dynamics is crucial to comprehending the motivations behind recent political statements and actions.
In summary, Nana Ayew Afriye, a Member of Parliament from the NPP, has made grave allegations against the NDC, claiming that the party is undermining the political landscape by importing foreign miners to engage in illegal activities that harm river bodies. He maintains that these actions are strategically aimed at destabilizing NPP strongholds ahead of elections. Despite these challenges, Afriye affirmed the NPP’s determination to combat illegal mining and defend its political positions. The ongoing struggle against galamsey remains a focal point in Ghanaian politics, reflecting broader concerns about environmental sustainability and governance.
Original Source: www.ghanaweb.com
