The issue of illegal mining, known as galamsey, has become increasingly politicized in Ghana, with both major parties trading accusations and proposals. Dr. Afriyie, a lecturer at Kumasi Technical University, has made allegations against the National Democratic Congress (NDC), claiming that the opposition party has imported foreign nationals to engage in illegal mining activities in Ghana's water bodies.

However, these claims remain unverified, and the NDC has characterized them as "malicious fabrications" and "baseless accusations." The politicization of galamsey discourse has complicated efforts to address the ecological crisis, with environmental advocacy groups expressing frustration with the partisan approach.

The Ghana Coalition Against Galamsey has noted the involvement of political figures from multiple parties in illegal mining operations, suggesting that the issue transcends party lines. Experts emphasize the need for substantiated; non-partisan approaches to addressing illegal mining, regardless of which party holds power.

As Ghana approaches electoral periods, the politicization of environmental issues like galamsey may undermine collaborative efforts needed to address complex challenges. The absence of concrete evidence supporting claims about foreign national importation raises questions about the substantive basis for such serious allegations.

Both major parties have proposed different approaches to addressing illegal mining, with the NDC suggesting facilitating mining equipment pools in small-scale mining districts, while the NPP focuses on utilizing reclamation funds for land restoration. However, environmental groups have emphasized the need for a non-partisan approach to address the crisis effectively.