The National Coordinator for the District Road Improvement Programme (DRIP), Nii Lantey Vanderpuye, has denied claims that President John Dramani Mahama promised to end illegal mining, commonly called galamsey, within 120 days.
Speaking during a live interview on Channel One TV’s Breakfast Daily on Thursday, May 8, Vanderpuye addressed the growing public debate surrounding the issue. He emphasized that President Mahama never committed to a fixed deadline in any of his public remarks.
“It is not a fight that will end in 120 days,” Vanderpuye explained. “President Mahama did not say anywhere that within 120 days he will end galamsey. He said he will end galamsey, so it could be today, one year, or longer.”
According to Vanderpuye, what truly matters is the firm commitment demonstrated by the Mahama-led administration to fight illegal mining. He urged the public to shift focus from unrealistic expectations to recognizing the ongoing efforts being made.
He stressed that illegal mining is a deeply rooted problem and cannot be uprooted overnight. “What we should expect is that the effort being put into the fight and the level of commitment shown will inspire collective action from all of us,” he added.
His comments came at a time when critics and political analysts are revisiting the President’s promises as part of broader evaluations of his past and potential future leadership performance.
The 120-day claim, widely circulated online and in some political circles, has not been backed by any official records or public addresses made by the President himself.
Meanwhile, the government has stepped up actions to control the galamsey crisis. In a related move, the Minister for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, revealed a bold plan to repeal Legislative Instrument (L.I.) 2462.
This legal instrument currently allows mining in designated forest reserves, a move environmentalists argue worsens illegal mining practices and destruction of natural habitats.
Kwakye Ofosu’s announcement signals a renewed push by government officials to regulate mining activities more strictly while preserving the nation’s forests and water bodies.
Vanderpuye’s remarks serve as a call to all Ghanaians to unite in the effort to eliminate galamsey. He believes that community involvement, rather than placing all the responsibility on government, is key to long-term success.
He concluded by reinforcing the message that the fight against galamsey is ongoing and requires consistent political will, strong policies, and citizen support to achieve tangible results.
As the conversation around illegal mining and environmental degradation continues, stakeholders are being reminded that lasting change often takes time and collective effort.