COKA Criticizes Galamsey Under Mahama Administration, Urges Media to Join Fight Against Illegal Mining

Chairman Odeneho Kwaku Appiah (COKA) a former Constituency Chairman for Afigya Kwabre South has voiced strong concerns over the state of illegal mining—commonly known as galamsey—during the administration of former President John Dramani Mahama.

According to him, the situation deteriorated significantly under the Mahama-led government, leading to widespread environmental damage.

Speaking on the issue on Angel FM, COKA compared the current state of water bodies to their condition during the Mahama era, claiming that illegal mining activities under the previous National Democratic Congress (NDC) government left rivers and streams heavily polluted and unsafe for human consumption.

“Our water bodies were so polluted they became undrinkable,” he said, attributing the destruction directly to individuals within the NDC who, he alleged, were complicit in galamsey operations.

COKA emphasized that no member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) would be able to engage in such destructive mining practices during an NDC administration, implying that the NDC failed to regulate and prevent the environmental degradation.

He further urged the media to take a more active role in combating illegal mining. According to him, galamsey is not only damaging the environment but also endangering public health, contributing to a rise in serious illnesses such as kidney and liver diseases.

“The media must do more to help protect our environment and change the situation,” he stressed, calling for greater advocacy and investigative efforts to expose and fight against galamsey operations across the country.