Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has leveled sharp accusations against the NDC government, alleging that its new policy allowing the Gold Board (Goldbod) to purchase gold from small-scale miners is effectively financing illegal mining activities, popularly known as galamsey.
Speaking during a parliamentary debate on the 2026 Budget on Thursday, November 27, Afenyo-Markin minced no words in his critique. “This government has surrendered to the galamsey activities. This government has become its enabler,” he declared, arguing that the budget’s provisions contradict the administration’s stated commitment to eradicating illegal mining.
Afenyo-Markin pointed to the budget announcement empowering the Gold Board to buy gold from small-scale miners as evidence of state endorsement for unregulated mining. “The NDC government, through the Gold Board, is rather financing it. This is giving it state endorsement,” he said.
He further highlighted the dangers faced by those on the front lines of the fight against galamsey. Citing the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Squad (NAIMOS), Afenyo-Markin expressed concern for their safety, recalling the tragedy in which eight members lost their lives en route to launch an anti-galamsey programme. “Today, members of NAIMOS are getting hurt, dead, shot at in a fight their own government has abandoned,” he lamented.
The Minority Leader also criticized the government for setting up a Gold Board that, in his view, lacks the mechanisms to trace the origin of gold or verify miners. He warned that such a system invites complicity and undermines enforcement efforts.
“If this government cannot trace the gold, it must not buy the gold,” Afenyo-Markin asserted, concluding that the government has failed to show the seriousness or commitment necessary to defeat illegal mining.
Source: Apexnewsgh.com
