MPs found in galamsey operations will be severely dealt with – Speaker
Alban Bagbin, the Speaker of Parliament, has issued a stern warning to Members of Parliament, stating that any lawmaker found to be involved in illegal mining, or galamsey, will face serious consequences.
On Tuesday, January 28, Speaker Bagbin addressed the plenary and emphasized the need for Parliament to take a firm and decisive stance against the growing menace of galamsey, which he said has led to widespread environmental destruction across the nation.
Rather than engaging in activities that harm the country’s environment, he stressed that Members of Parliament, as leaders and representatives of the people, have an obligation to set a positive example by upholding the law.
Speaker Bagbin underscored the gravity of the situation in his remarks and urged each MP to take personal responsibility and completely dissociate themselves from the issue.
“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 receive any information that any of you is involved in galamsey, we will begin taking the necessary action from the House,” the Speaker is quoted as saying by citinewsroom.com.
For many years, Ghana has struggled with illegal mining, prompting various governments to implement policies aimed at mitigating its harmful effects.
However, galamsey persists despite multiple interventions, such as task force formations, bans, and military operations, mainly due to the involvement of influential individuals, including certain politicians.
