The Minister of Defence, Dominic Nitiwul, has called for strong action against Members of Parliament and other public figures who exploit the fight against illegal mining, or galamsey, for political gain.
Speaking during a parliamentary session on Tuesday, September 3, 2024, Nitiwul stressed the need for a unified, non-partisan approach to addressing the serious environmental, social, and economic impacts of galamsey in Ghana.
Nitiwul appealed directly to the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, urging that politicizing the battle against galamsey undermines efforts to eradicate the practice.
He argued that using galamsey as a political tool to win votes or gain favor impedes progress in tackling the issue.
“Is an urgent matter and I think that you [Speaker Alban Bagbin] should lead it personally to ensure that anybody, whether you are a religious person, you are a traditional person, you are a politician, you are a flagbearer or an MP who politicises galamsey operations in this country, this house must take action on that person.
“This House should take drastic measures against any individual who politicises galamsey matters. [Action must be taken against any individual] who is promising the youth of Ghana that if you vote for me, I would allow you to do galamsey.
“I want this house to take a bipartisan posture against any individual. In fact, we should invite any individual to this house.”
