President Nana Akufo-Addo has called on John Dramani Mahama, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, to clarify his stance on the fight against illegal mining, commonly referred to as galamsey.

The President's appeal comes amid ongoing concerns regarding the detrimental effects of illegal mining on Ghana's environment and natural resources.

During a thank-you tour in the North East region, President Akufo-Addo criticized Mahama for what he described as contradictory and inconsistent statements regarding the issue of galamsey.

He emphasised the urgency of addressing this pressing matter, urging Mahama to articulate a clear and firm position on how he plans to tackle the challenges posed by illegal mining.

The President underscored the significant impact that galamsey has on Ghana’s environmental landscape and the livelihoods of many citizens.

With illegal mining continuing to threaten the country’s natural resources, Akufo-Addo stressed the need for a unified and decisive approach to combat this issue.

“Today, he is saying that, no, he doesn’t believe in jail, that he’s against galamsey, and he will enforce the law. So once again, we have to ask ourselves, mister JM, where do you stand?"

“What are you telling the people of Ghana? Because every time you speak, you speak from one corner of your mouth, and you speak from another corner of your mouth. Let us hear from you directly, straight up what do you stand for. We need to know.”

The President proposed a nonpartisan approach to tackle the galamsey issue, advocating for a political pact that would involve commitment from both parties.

He stressed the need for collaboration to effectively address the challenges posed by illegal mining activities.

“The candidate, the NPP presidential candidate has gone on record as saying that as far as he’s concerned, he is prepared to sign a pact that would take the galamsey issue out of our politics, to depoliticise it, to commit him and our party, all of us agreeing that we would deal with this galamsey phenomenon on a nonpartisan basis."

"We are yet to hear from the NDC presidential candidate. I’m asking him to also come out and support the idea of a political pact on galamsey,” he said.