Minority Leader Osahen Alexander Afenyo-Markin has accused the government of enabling illegal mining through the establishment of the Goldboard, which purchases gold from small-scale miners.
Speaking in Parliament, Afenyo-Markin stated that the government’s actions contradict their claims of fighting galamsey, as the Goldboard is effectively financing the illegal activity.
He cited Professor Haddad’s warning that the Goldboard would become a mechanism for laundering galamsey gold.
Afenyo-Markin also highlighted the risks faced by NAIMOS members, who are injured or killed in the fight against galamsey, while the government appears to have abandoned the effort. He referenced the tragic loss of eight lives, including two ministers, in a previous galamsey-related incident.
The opposition is calling for the government to demonstrate seriousness and commitment to defeating galamsey, rather than setting up a Goldboard to buy gold with unclear origins
Source: happyghana.com
