The Member of Parliament for Mpraeso Constituency, Alexander Akwasi Acquah, has called for stronger action against illegal mining, insisting that the fight against galamsey must start with individuals connected to the current government.
Speaking on UTV Ghana, he questioned why no high-profile individuals linked to illegal mining activities have faced prosecution.
“Who in opposition is doing galamsey today?” he asked, arguing that those involved in illegal mining are largely people associated with the governing administration.
Acquah noted that no top officials, including District or Municipal Chief Executives, have been held accountable for illegal mining activities. He also alleged that some individuals were issued receipts permitting them to engage in illegal mining, a practice that continues because it is not openly addressed.
“For us to see that the government is truly fighting galamsey, it has to start with its own people,” he stressed, calling on authorities to demonstrate seriousness in tackling the menace by holding their members accountable.
The MP further suggested that some individuals engage in illegal mining due to unmet expectations from the government, including hopes of securing jobs or appointments. However, he emphasized that a lack of employment opportunities should not justify environmental destruction.
He warned that water bodies, lands, and other natural resources being destroyed by illegal mining are irreplaceable and must be protected at all costs, noting that many prosecutions currently target small-scale operators while major offenders continue unchecked.
Source: adomonline.com
