An alleged DRIP machine being used for galamsey
The District Chief Executive (DCE) for Suaman, Obour Vasco, is at the center of a growing controversy following allegations that he has repurposed government-owned road construction equipment for illegal mining operations, commonly known in Ghana as galamsey.
In a viral video circulating on social media, heavy-duty machines, including an excavator, believed to be part of the District Roads Improvement Project (DRIP) initiated under the former Akufo-Addo administration, are seen operating at an illegal mining site.
The video, reportedly recorded on the morning of Sunday, July 13, 2025, has sparked outrage among citizens and reignited concerns about political complicity in environmental degradation.
According to the individual who filmed the video, the machines were initially assumed to be en route for road maintenance work — a long-standing challenge in the area. However, to their dismay, the equipment was spotted clearing land at an active galamsey site.
“We took this video this morning. We trailed the machines until they got to the mining site. Initially, we thought they were being deployed to fix the road, but to our utter shock, they were rather used for galamsey,” the narrator stated.
The voice-over in the footage further expressed disappointment in the current government, accusing the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) of diverting state resources meant for development into environmentally destructive activities.
“A government had this great vision of procuring these machines for the various districts to construct poor roads in their areas. Why will another government come to power and then decide to use the machines for galamsey? I am so disappointed in the NDC government. God will punish them for doing this,” the person said.
As of now, Mr. Obour Vasco has not publicly responded to the allegations. Efforts to reach him for comment have been unsuccessful.
Illegal mining remains a major environmental threat in Ghana, polluting rivers, destroying farmlands, and contributing to deforestation.
The involvement of state officials in such operations continues to undermine national anti-galamsey efforts.
