The Concerned Drivers Association of Ghana (C-DAG) has accused the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) of hypocrisy over its planned demonstration against illegal mining, widely known as galamsey.

In a strongly worded statement signed by its National Chairman, William Osei, C-DAG said it was “shameful and hypocritical” for the NPP to present itself as a crusader against illegal mining when, according to the group, the menace “thrived under their very watch.”

C-DAG pointed to the 2023 report by former Minister of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, Prof. Kwabena Frimpong-Boateng, which alleged the involvement of high-ranking government officials in galamsey activities.

Instead of ensuring accountability, the Association argued, the administration resorted to intimidation and attempts to silence dissenting voices.

“It will be remembered that Mr Maxwell Kofi Jumah once threatened to sack workers who dared to demonstrate against galamsey,” the statement noted, adding that such conduct showed the government’s lack of genuine commitment to tackling the problem.

The drivers’ group urged  President John Dramani Mahama to take decisive action on the Frimpong-Boateng report, ensuring that “all culprits, irrespective of political affiliation, face justice.”

C-DAG further warned that Ghana cannot continue to suffer the environmental, economic, and social devastation caused by galamsey while those responsible “walk free and attempt to whitewash their deeds with political theatrics.”

The group reaffirmed its support for “all well-meaning Ghanaians” calling for true accountability and practical measures to eradicate illegal mining once and for all.