Former Senior Presidential Aide and National Democratic Congress (NDC) stalwart, Dr. Tony Aidoo, has issued a stern warning to President John Dramani Mahama, urging him to take decisive action to end illegal mining (galamsey) within the next six months or risk losing public trust and the 2028 elections.
Speaking on Joy News, Dr. Aidoo emphasized the devastating impact of galamsey on the environment and public health, citing contaminated water and food as growing national threats.
“If you are drinking water, you are scared. The food you eat, you are scared whether it is contaminated by metals,” he said.
He criticized former President Akufo-Addo’s government for failing to address the crisis, warning that Mahama’s administration could suffer a similar fate if it does not act decisively.
“Akufo-Addo didn’t care, so don’t say Ghanaians don’t care about your administration. If you don’t solve the galamsey problem, in 2028 Ghanaians will vote the NDC out.”
Dr. Aidoo called for the deployment of military force to eliminate illegal mining operations, even suggesting lethal force if necessary.
“Bring 1,000 men, two battalions, and fetch them out. If necessary, shoot to kill because they are killing us.”
He downgraded the Mahama-led government’s performance rating from 70% to 60%, describing its efforts against galamsey as weak and inadequate.
“Six months is long enough. Galamsey must be eliminated and uprooted from our society. It doesn’t matter who profits from it.”
