Former Minority Leader and Tamale South MP, Haruna Iddrisu, has dismissed claims that some individuals are attempting to hold former President John Mahama responsible for the country’s galamsey (illegal mining) crisis.

According to Mr Iddrisu, all mineral resources in Ghana are constitutionally vested in the sitting president, making it surprising that some would try to shift the blame to a former president who is no longer in office.

Speaking at the NDC’s campaign launch in Hamile, Lambusie constituency, Mr Iddrisu said, “When people talk about galamsey, they forget one important thing.

“They should read Article 268 of the Constitution: all mineral resources in Ghana are vested in the president. That president is Nana Akufo-Addo, not John Mahama. If it is not being managed well, if it is being handled in a way that destroys our livelihoods, we will hold Nana Addo solely responsible.

“So, they should stop dragging John Mahama’s name into it. We did not give John Mahama the power, authority, or mandate today to oversee the proper management of our mineral resources. That responsibility lies with Nana Akufo-Addo.”