In a bold move to tackle the menace of illegal mining, Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin has issued a stern warning to Members of Parliament (MPs) involved in galamsey, vowing that those found culpable will face the full force of the law.
“There is a petition before me concerning a Member of Parliament, and I have initiated an investigation. The member has already appeared before me. We will not tolerate any MP, regardless of their position, who is complicit in destructive mining activities,” Alban Bagbin declared.
Speaking at the Parliamentarians’ Conference on Restoring a Culture of Proper Small-Scale Mining in Ghana, Bagbin emphasized the devastating impact of irresponsible mining on the country’s environment, food security, and water bodies.
He noted that while foreign investors are legally allowed to mine, Ghanaian small-scale miners are often criminalized, a situation he described as a leadership failure.
Minister for Lands and Natural Resources Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah also addressed the conference, warning that Ghana is facing an environmental crisis due to the destruction of forests, lands, and water bodies.
“If we don’t act now, we are drinking poison,” he cautioned, highlighting the alarming levels of water contamination caused by galamsey.
Kofi Buah stressed the need for collective action, emphasizing that the fight against galamsey requires a united front.
“We must empower local authorities to regulate and enforce mining laws effectively,” he said.
The Minister also called for stricter measures against foreign nationals involved in illegal mining, advocating for deportation rather than bail.
“No one—whether appointed by the President or Vice President—will have the power to interfere in this fight,” he assured.
Kofi Buah highlighted key government initiatives, including enhanced law enforcement, collaboration with security agencies, and a proposal to decentralize the licensing and policing of mining operations to the district level.
As the fight against galamsey gains momentum, Bagbin’s warning to MPs serves as a reminder that no one is above the law. “As lawmakers, we must lead by example. We cannot preach accountability while ignoring misconduct within our ranks. Any MP caught engaging in illegal mining will face the full wrath of the law,” he cautioned.
-BY Daniel Bampoe
