The Centre for Democratic Movement (CDM) has accused Ghanaian political leaders of opportunism and inconsistency in tackling illegal mining and insecurity. 

According to the group, politicians often make bold promises in opposition but abandon them once in power.

“While in opposition, leading figures of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), including President John Dramani Mahama, were relentless in their criticism of the government of the day on galamsey. Today, these same challenges have worsened under the current administration,” the CDM observed. It said this exposes “a chronic problem in Ghanaian politics: ethical inconsistency and opportunism.”

The CDM expressed particular disappointment in President Mahama’s refusal so far to declare a state of emergency on galamsey. It recalled that in opposition, the President described illegal mining as an existential threat and joined calls for a national emergency. 

Now, however, he argues that existing powers are sufficient without such a declaration.

The group said this reversal undermines public trust in leadership. 

“This change of tone and deferment raises serious questions of moral consistency, ethical leadership, and whether political convenience has overtaken his duty to protect citizens and the environment,” it said.

The CDM therefore called on Parliament to demand urgent accountability from the Executive, on the Judiciary to ensure impartial prosecutions, and on the media to intensify scrutiny. 

“The time for excuses has long passed. Ghana’s leaders must rise above partisan interests and fulfil their constitutional duty to protect the nation and its people,” the statement concluded.