The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has called on President John Dramani Mahama to back his anti-galamsey rhetoric with decisive action, accusing his administration of hypocrisy in the fight against illegal mining.

President Mahama, while addressing journalists at the 29th Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) Awards Ceremony in Manhyia on Saturday, November 11, reaffirmed his government’s commitment to combating illegal mining and protecting the country’s natural resources.

However, reacting to the President’s comments, the Deputy General Secretary of the NPP, Haruna Mohammed asked President Mahama to “stop utilising illegal gold from illegal miners” and take concrete steps to curb the escalating menace.

Speaking to Citi News in Kumasi, Mr. Mohammed said the President’s words have not translated into tangible results on the ground, which he finds worrying.

“The President should walk the talk in the fight against galamsey. He has played with the emotions of Ghanaians, saying in opposition that he would declare a state of emergency but now that he is in power, what has changed?” he questioned.

Mr. Mohammed further criticised the government for what he described as a lack of seriousness in dealing with the menace, especially at a time when state security operatives under the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) are being attacked in the line of duty.

“People are attacking NAIMOS, and yet the President continues to make promises without firm action. He should stop playing with the emotions of Ghanaians and walk the talk. Galamsey has worsened under Mahama and the NDC administration, and it is a shame,” he added.

Meanwhile, the Director of Communications for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Richard Ahiagbah, has called for a unified, bipartisan approach in tackling the growing menace, stressing that the issue affects all Ghanaians regardless of political affiliation