The Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Abuakwa South, Nana Adu Sarpong Addo-Aikins, has made a startling claim that nearly 90 percent of individuals engaged in illegal mining, locally known as , in Kyebi are affiliated with the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP).
In an interview on show, the MCE stated that during his six months in office, he has observed that many of those involved in the destructive activity are “well-known” party members.
“From what I’ve seen in my six months as MCE, about 90 percent of those involved in galamsey here in Kyebi are NPP people. They are our own known party members,” he asserted.
When asked if he had reported the matter to security agencies, Mr. Addo-Aikins clarified that law enforcement does not fall within his jurisdiction.
“I am not a law enforcement officer. It is the responsibility of the police and other security agencies to handle such matters,” he explained.
He added that the Municipal Security Council has begun taking action to clamp down on the menace.
“Over the past few months, we have arrested some illegal miners, and they are currently in police custody at Kyebi facing prosecution,” he noted.
Ghana continues to grapple with the illegal mining crisis, which has become one of the country’s most persistent environmental and governance challenges.
Despite ongoing government interventions and advocacy from civil society, galamsey operations persist—contaminating rivers, destroying forests, and threatening the country’s water supply.
The Ghana Water Limited (GWCL) has repeatedly warned that pollution from galamsey has made it increasingly difficult and expensive to treat water for public consumption.