BY Issah Olegor
A new video circulating online has sparked serious allegations against the current administration under President John Dramani Mahama, with accusations that government assets, including DRIP-branded low-bed vehicles, are being used to support illegal mining activities—commonly known as galamsey.
The footage, which surfaced on social media this week, shows several excavators being transported on low-bed trucks reportedly owned or operated by DRIP, a logistics company associated with road and infrastructure development projects for MMDAs.
According to critics, including Baba Amando, the Communications Officer for the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the Sunyani East Constituency, this points to the direct involvement of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government in facilitating galamsey operations.
Court Orders
The controversy traces back to a recent court ruling that ordered the return of seized excavators to their respective owners—machines previously impounded during anti-galamsey operations.
The Ghana Police Service, following legal orders, began the process of handing back the equipment.
The viral footage reportedly shows the excavators being transported back to illegal miners, using state-associated vehicles.
For many, this act goes beyond compliance with a court order and suggests tacit government endorsement of the illegal operations.
History of Contradictions
Illegal small-scale mining has long posed a threat to Ghana’s environment, depleting forest reserves, polluting water bodies like the Pra and Ankobra rivers, and contributing to land degradation.
The previous NPP government declared a “war” on galamsey and introduced several interventions, including Operation Vanguard and community mining initiatives, to combat the menace.
While not without controversy or setbacks—including human rights concerns and accusations of selective enforcement—the efforts marked a notable attempt to curb the crisis.
However, since the return of President Mahama to power, critics say the state’s posture has shifted dramatically.
Several galamsey operators previously arrested or under investigation have reportedly been released without clear legal closure.
Equipment seized during previous crackdowns has either been returned or gone missing under unclear circumstances.
Political Implications and Security Concerns
According to Amando and other commentators, the current administration’s approach may be linked to political calculations, especially in galamsey-affected communities where support for enforcement measures was waning.
There are claims that the NDC campaigned on promises to soften the state’s stance on illegal mining, which could explain the recent reversals.
Tragically, some members of the NDC alleged to be involved in galamsey have reportedly clashed with task force operatives, leading to arrests and even fatalities.
Despite these incidents, no senior government officials or Members of Parliament allegedly linked to illegal mining have faced sanctions.
Adding to the controversy is the alleged misuse of road construction and infrastructure vehicles—procured under the previous NPP administration—which are now reportedly being used for mining logistics.
Observers fear that these acts not only represent a gross abuse of public resources but also undermine the original purpose of the equipment: improving the country’s roads and infrastructure.
Silence from Civil Society
Perhaps most troubling to some is the silence of civil society and religious organizations that were once vocally opposed to galamsey under the NPP.
Bodies such as the Peace Council, the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG), and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) were prominent in earlier protests and calls for accountability but have remained largely muted under the current regime.
This perceived double standard has sparked frustration among political opposition figures, who argue that national institutions have failed to remain neutral and consistent in their advocacy.
The Bigger Picture
With over 100 days into President Mahama’s renewed tenure, critics say the environmental and governance crisis posed by galamsey has only deepened.
However, allegations of state complicity, political interference, and institutional silence are combined to create what some describe as a dangerous culture of impunity.
