The Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Mr. George Mireku-Duker, has challenged members of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) who accuse him of being involved in illegal mining activities, commonly known as galamsey.

"Before my appointment, people, particularly elements in the NDC, tagged me as a galamseyer.

To date, nobody has come out with evidence to prove otherwise," Mr. Mireku-Duker stated. He emphasized that it is the responsibility of those making the accusations to provide evidence to expose any wrongdoing.

 "So far, no such evidence has been brought forward.

This is all because of propaganda to suit their own imaginations" he stressed.

Mr. Mireku-Duker firmly denied the accusations, stating, "I am not a miner and have never been a miner," while noting his background in mining and his role in representing miners in the Tarkwa Nsuaem Constituency in the Western Region.

He addressed the broader notion that New Patriotic Party (NPP) executives are engaged in galamsey, calling it a misconception.

"Some of these party executives have been in mining long before the NPP came into power, and people in the NDC know them as such at the Constituency level," he explained.

The Deputy Minister clarified that his role does not include the authority to arrest individuals involved in galamsey, emphasizing that state agencies need to fulfill their responsibilities.

He pointed out that in South Africa, galamsey is known as 'Zama Zama,' and the sector minister is not blamed for illegal activities; rather, the security agencies are held accountable.

Mr. Mireku-Duker called on Ghanaians to stop blaming innocent leaders for issues related to law enforcement in the country.

 He warned that continuing to politicize the fight against galamsey will hinder progress.

 "If we continue to use brute methods in the fight against illegal mining, we will not achieve any meaningful results," he cautioned.

The Deputy Minister, who is also the Member of Parliament for Tarkwa Nsuaem Constituency, issued this challenge to his detractors during an interview on Accra-based Kesben FM on Wednesday, July 17, 2024.