The Eastern regional secretariat of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has expressed reservations about the burning of excavators in the fight against galamsey.
According to the party, the anti-galamsey operation has become an avenue for powerful political entities to pursue a personal vendetta.
“Has the supposed fight against galamsey become nepotistic to the extent that perceived critics of Akufo-Addo and his family members are penalised using state-sanctioned operations such as operation Halt?” parts of the statement read.
A strategy, a statement signed by the Regional Secretary, Dallas Ampomah Williams, described as abusive, akin to mob justice and also not sustainable.
This follows destruction of about 20 excavators and several mining equipment by the military taskforce set up by the government to crack down on illegal mining in the Eastern Region on Sunday.
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Eight out of the number of excavators and one bulldozer allegedly belong to the National Women’s Organiser of the ruling party, New Patriotic Party, Kate Gyamfua.
However, the statement accused the government of using one of its own, Madam Gyamfua and General Manager of licensed gold mining firm Xtra-Gold as a ‘scapegoat’.
“The mining activities of Kate Gyemfua and other national and regional executives are publicly known in the region. How come only Kate Gyamfua has been a victim? Will such a scapegoating strategy help fight the menace?” the statement quizzed.
Meanwhile, the party has urged the government to halt the operations of the military task force to enable it adopt a “transparent, accountable and sincere manner” in fighting the menace.
Read the statement below:
