The convener of Ghana Coalition Against Illegal Mining, Ing. Dr. Kenneth Ashigbey has clashed Deputy Chief of Staff Stan Dogbe for accusing him of doing the bidding of the opposition New Patriotic Party in his anti-galamsey crusade.
Dr. Ashigbey in a Facebook post sought to draw the attention of President Mahama to ongoing illegal mining at Simpa in the Western Region calling for action against the DCE in the area.
“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.” Dr. Ashigbey who was part of the galamsey dialogue at the Jubilee House last Friday posted.
The above post however did not seem to go down well with Deputy Chief of Staff Stan Dogbe who in a reply under the post questioned Dr. Ashigbey’s motive for the incessant crusade tagging him NPP.
“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. 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.” Stan clapped back.
Dr. Ashigbey justifiably unhappy with the accusations from Mr. Dogbe punched back pointing to the consistency in his anti-galamsey crusade since the Akufo-Addo days devoid of partisan consideration.
“My government,” really? Well, some in the NPP said the same. Thankfully, Ghanaians can judge my actions for themselves. 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. When we began this fight in 2017, where were you? What was your contribution to the struggle against galamsey under the NPP? Was that when you also thought our advocacy was “negative”? History will judge us all.”
Dr. Ashigbey pointed out some concrete proposals made to the government in addressing the menace including a paper presented to the President at the stakeholders engagement last Friday.
“Some of us are focused on solutions, not noise. You may ask the Minister of Lands, the 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 at the event on Friday, the 3rd of October 2025, detailing actionable solutions. This is a matter of public record.”
Ing. Dr. Ken Ashigbey argued the consistency in his advocacy can be acknowledged by the public even if the deputy chief of staff refuses to.
“Ghanaians can see that our work is not driven by money or politics. They know that our fight is against the imminent environmental crisis threatening all of us, not an exercise in negativity. 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 reminded the Deputy Chief of Staff that he had no political bias and prayed for God’s forgiveness for him for lying against him.
An emotional Dr. Ashigbey wondered why Mr. Dogbe would level such an allegation against him arguing the President and Minister for Lands and Natural Resources have both urged civil society and individuals to speak up against the environmental devastations and that’s exactly what he was doing with his post. He concluded by leaving Mr. Dogbe in the hands of God for forgiveness over the lies he believes he peddled.
“I hold NO POLITICAL BIAS — and you know that. Yet, for reasons best known to you, you now seek to misrepresent me. I pray that God forgives you for the falsehoods you spread about me. The truth, and the internet, will not forget. Why should I stay silent when I see wrongdoing? Even HE, 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?”
The comments by the Deputy Chief of Staff Stan Dogbe were roundly condemned by social media users on the page.
