Alban Bagbin, the Speaker of Parliament, has announced that lawmakers who are found to be involved in galamsey, or illegal mining, will be subject to harsh penalties.
Speaking to the members on Tuesday, January 28, Speaker Bagbin stated that Parliament needs to adopt a strong position against the escalating galamsey threat, which he said has resulted in extensive environmental destruction throughout the country.
He emphasized that rather than engaging in actions that negatively impact the country’s environment, Members of Parliament have an obligation to set a good example by following the law in their capacity as leaders and representatives of the people.
Speaker Bagbin stressed the gravity of the situation during his speech and called on each Member of Parliament to accept personal responsibility and fully distance themselves from any involvement in galamsey operations.
“Honourable members, galamsey must be confronted head on. If any of you happen to be involved in galamsey, please advise yourself. You must be prepared as a house to bite the bullet. We must lead and show the way. And please, if I get any information that any of you is involved in galamsey, we will start taking the necessary action from the House.”
Politicians, including Members of Parliament and government officials, have been implicated in illegal mining activities in a number of reports, either directly or indirectly, by protecting illegal miners.
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For many years, Ghana has struggled with illegal mining, and several governments have implemented different policies to lessen its destructive impacts.
However, galamsey persists despite multiple interventions, primarily as a result of the collusion of powerful people, including certain politicians.
