The destruction of forests and water bodies due to illegal small-scale mining, known as galamsey, has sparked outrage among Ghanaian lawmakers.
Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor, Member of Parliament for South Dayi, criticized the government for its inaction, accusing them of turning a blind eye to the environmental degradation.
He expressed confidence that the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and John Mahama would provide effective solutions to tackle the galamsey menace.
Martin Kpebu, a private legal practitioner, echoed similar sentiments, questioning President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s commitment to fighting galamsey.
Despite the President’s promise to prioritize the issue, Kpebu deemed it mere rhetoric, citing the failure of Operation Galam-Stop as evidence.
He argued that the President’s lack of action betrayed his lack of commitment, pointing out that as Commander-In-Chief, the buck stopped with him.
In contrast, Kwame Andy Appiah-Kubi, Lawmaker for Asante Akim North, emphasized the importance of community involvement in combating galamsey.
He shared his success in stopping illegal mining practices in his constituency, attributing it to the collective effort of the community. He stressed that mobilizing the community was crucial in the fight against galamsey.
The discussion followed controversial comments made by Ernest Frimpong, NPP Parliamentary Candidate, who urged illegal miners to attack security officers attempting to stop them.
The Ghana Armed Forces subsequently warned against attacking soldiers, and Frimpong was arrested and granted bail.
The incident highlighted the ongoing challenges in addressing the galamsey issue, with some politicians accused of perpetuating the problem.
