Akosua Manu, the 2024 NPP parliamentary candidate for Adentan and Deputy CEO of the National Youth Authority (NYA), has alleged that illegal mining (galamsey) is being sponsored by influential figures within the government, with known NDC leaders involved under the leadership of former President John Mahama.
Speaking on Metro TV’s Good Morning Ghana on March 10, 2025, Manu stated that there is clear evidence of power-sponsored galamsey operations and vigilante groups linked to the opposition party.
She referenced investigative journalist Erastus Asare Donkor’s reports, emphasizing that he had previously warned about these activities and the threats he received.
“I have all of Erastus’ posts and screenshots,” she said. “Even though he later updated that authorities had moved in, the real question is—how long did it take before action was taken? On January 30, he clearly stated, ‘Let this be on record: if anything happens to me or any member of my family…’ This man knew something, and now the threats he spoke about are happening under John Mahama’s watch.”
According to Manu, Erastus Asare Donkor had been vocal in criticizing the previous NPP government on the issue of galamsey. However, she noted that his latest reports indicate that vigilante groups, allegedly led by NDC figures, have now taken over mining areas, a development she believes exposes the double standards of the opposition.
“When Erastus provided evidence against the previous government, he was praised for being factual and thorough. Now, the same Erastus is saying that vigilante groups, headed by NDC figures, have invaded the forest. Why is it that when his reports favored the NDC, he was considered credible, but now that he is exposing them, people are dismissing his claims?” she questioned.
Manu also responded to comments made by Prof. Grace Ayensu-Danquah, an NDC figure, who appeared to downplay the severity of the situation. “She didn’t deny that these were vigilante groups or that they were armed. Instead, she dismissed the claims as mere conjecture and innuendo,” Manu pointed out.
She further highlighted a Ghana Water Company assessment of water quality from 2012 to 2021, which showed a consistent deterioration during Mahama’s administration.
“From 2012 to 2021, the water quality assessment showed a steady decline, marked in red. Who was in power then? It was John Mahama. And now, under his leadership, galamsey remains a major problem,” she concluded.
Her remarks add to the ongoing debate over illegal mining and its political affiliations, raising concerns about accountability and environmental degradation.
