A war of words has broken out on Facebook between Chamber of Mines CEO and Media Coalition Against Illegal Mining convener, Ken Ashigbey, and Deputy C
A war of words has broken out on Facebook between Chamber of Mines CEO and Media Coalition Against Illegal Mining convener, Ken Ashigbey, and Deputy Chief of Staff, Stan Xoese Dogbe, over illegal mining activities in Tarkwa.
Mr. Ken Ashigbey accused authorities of failing to act on visible galamsey activity at Simpa, along the Tarkwa to Takoradi road.
In a Facebook post on Sunday, Mr Ashigbey wrote, “Around the Simpa township on the Tarkwa to Takoradi road, there is galamsey happening in clear sight. Is the MCE not aware? HE John Dramani Mahama, please, this MCE cannot be representing your interests. I can see it from the road today, Sunday, the 5th of October 2025. They are working and polluting the waters.”
His post drew a sharp response from Deputy Chief of Staff, Stan Xoese Dogbe, who suggested the criticism was politically motivated.
“If your government, in the 8 years of your ‘coloured’ fight, had demonstrated the political will and clear strategies deployed in the last 9 months, I guess we would not be here,” Mr Dogbe replied. “Instead of gaining on negativity as a form of advocacy, you and your team, as advised by the president, should keep up the fight, but I add do it constructively and stop hiding behind political bias to gain a voice.”
The exchange prompted further debate online, with many urging Mr Ashigbey to respond. In a follow-up post, he described Mr Dogbe’s remarks as “very unfortunate with a lot of falsehood” and defended his record in the fight against galamsey.
“My focus has never been on those who, like you, see every national issue through partisan lenses. My commitment is to Ghana and to those who genuinely care about our nation’s future. They recognise the consistency of our message and the sincerity of our advocacy,” Mr Ashigbey wrote.
He challenged Mr Dogbe’s assertion that his work was politically driven, recalling the coalition’s efforts since 2017 and insisting that their advocacy had always been solution-oriented.
“Some of us are focused on solutions, not noise. You may ask the Minister of Lands, Hon Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah — whenever we engage, we present concrete proposals. We’ve even shared a comprehensive paper with H.E. John Dramani Mahama, detailing actionable solutions. This is a matter of public record,” he added.
In a passionate appeal, Mr Ashigbey stressed the urgency of the environmental crisis. “Perhaps you are not as concerned about the poisoning of our water bodies or the destruction of our environment. Yes, you can now afford imported brands like Voss. I cannot. My children and family depend on the resources here in Ghana — the same ones being destroyed daily,” he said.
Mr Ashigbey concluded by questioning whether leaders were truly committed to ending the scourge. “Why should I stay silent when I see wrongdoing? Even the President himself has called on all of us to support the fight against galamsey. The Minister of Lands urged citizens to speak up when they see something wrong. Would you rather we disobey that call? So I ask: Do you want us to fix this problem, or do you not?”
The heated exchange underscores the deepening frustration among campaigners who believe political bickering continues to overshadow urgent action against illegal mining, which has left rivers polluted and communities at risk.
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