NDC using DRIP machines for galamsey- Minority clows cover

In a sharp and controversial revelation on the floor of Parliament, Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has accused officials of the Mahama-led National Democratic Congress (NDC) administration of allowing equipment meant for the District Road Improvement Project (DRIP) to be diverted for illegal mining activities, commonly referred to as galamsey.

The claim, made during Monday’s parliamentary debate on the state of the economy, has triggered a new round of political tension, with the Minority Leader alleging a breakdown of oversight and accountability in one of the country’s most sensitive policy areas — the fight against environmental degradation and illicit mining.

“Mr. Speaker, today, the DRIP machines that are supposed to be for our roads — some people are using them for galamsey. And there is no authority to even reprimand them. There is impunity,” Afenyo-Markin declared.

Galamsey and the Environmental Cost

Illegal mining has remained a persistent national concern in Ghana, contributing to widespread pollution of water bodies, deforestation, and destruction of arable land.

Despite numerous state-led crackdowns over the past decade, the practice continues to thrive in parts of the Eastern, Western, Western North, Ashanti, and Central regions.

Afenyo-Markin warned that such environmentally destructive activities are in direct conflict with Ghana’s economic recovery goals, particularly government initiatives to boost agriculture and improve rural infrastructure.

“If we do not deal with this galamsey issue, money is getting into the hands of people, and they are destroying the environment,” he said.

“In the long run, it is this same economy that will be affected.”

He questioned how the government could sustain economic progress when critical environmental factors, such as land and water resources, are being depleted in plain sight — with state equipment allegedly being misused to further the destruction.

DRIP Under Scrutiny

The District Road Improvement Project (DRIP) is a key infrastructural initiative aimed at enhancing road access in rural and peri-urban areas.

It is designed to support agricultural development, ease transport challenges, and create jobs in underserved communities.

However, Afenyo-Markin’s allegations suggest that some of the heavy machinery and logistical resources earmarked for the DRIP program are being hijacked for illegal mining, rather than road rehabilitation.

Though he did not name specific individuals or locations, the Minority Leader called for urgent intervention from the presidency and law enforcement agencies to probe the alleged misuse of national resources and bring the offenders to book.

Silence from the Executive

So far, the Office of the President and the Ministry of Roads and Highways or the Local Government Ministry have not responded publicly to the claims.