Alhassan Suhuyini, the Member of Parliament for Tamale North, has urged President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to address the nation regarding the issue of illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey.
In a statement, Suhuyini, who is the Ranking Member on Parliament’s Lands and Natural Resources Committee, emphasized that the President needs to outline the immediate and decisive actions being taken to combat these illegal activities.
Suhuyini highlighted the severe environmental and public health threats posed by the ongoing pollution of water bodies and the destruction of forest reserves, stressing the need for a clear government response to address these challenges.
He also commended civil society organizations (CSOs) and labor unions for their efforts to tackle the galamsey problem and assured that a John Dramani Mahama-led government would work closely with these groups to implement comprehensive policies.
According to Suhuyini, these policies, outlined in the NDC’s manifesto, will address both the economic factors driving illegal mining and the critical need for environmental protection.
Below is the full statement.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
In light of the ongoing crisis surrounding illegal mining activities otherwise known as Galamsay in Ghana, we wish to acknowledge the tireless efforts of Civil Society Organizations and labour unions that recently have been at the forefront of advocacy, education, and community mobilization. Their unwavering commitment to protecting our natural resources and advocating for sustainable practices has not only highlighted the urgent need for a collaborative approach to environmental conservation but has also galvanized the needed public awareness on the critical implications of these illegal practices.
However, it is with great concern that we must address the clueless and sometimes seemingly pretentious response from the government, and particularly the office of the President, regarding this pressing issue. The persistent pollution of our water bodies and the irreversible destruction of our cherished forest reserves pose significant threats to both our environment and public health. Despite numerous promises and money sapping initiatives launched by the government, the situation continue to worsen as no progress has been made to effectively combat the galamsay menace, leaving many communities to bear severe consequences of the illegal mining activities.
The detrimental impacts of galamsay are widespread, affecting not just the environment but also the livelihoods of countless individuals who depend on clean water and healthy ecosystems. We call upon President Nana Akufo Addo and his government to without fail address the nation on the State of our Environment, outlining the immediate and decisive actions to be taken to address these illegal activities. This should include how to enforce the existing laws more rigorously, conducting thorough investigations especially on several allegations of the complicity of many government officials and party leaders, and holding accountable those already implicated by previous investigations in these destructive practices.
Moreover, we assure all concerned Ghanaians of the NDC and President Mahama’s future government commitment to engage constructively with civil society organizations and labour unions to implement comprehensive policies, as crafted in our manifesto, that will address both the economic realities that drive illegal mining and the urgent need for environmental protection.
We acknowledge more than ever how essential it is for all stakeholders to work together to find sustainable solutions that preserve our natural resources for future generations.
We commend the efforts of those who have dedicated their time and resources to this crucial fight and reaffirm our solidarity with communities affected by the illegal mining menace. Together, we can advocate for and build a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable future for Ghana.
