Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin has sent a clear warning to lawmakers, emphasizing that no Member of Parliament (MP) will be spared if found complicit in illegal mining, commonly referred to as galamsey.
His remarks follow the submission of a petition accusing an MP of engaging in the destructive practice, prompting an official parliamentary investigation. "Let me be unequivocal in stating that Parliament will not tolerate any MP, regardless of position, who is found to be complicit in destructive mining activities," Bagbin declared while addressing a conference on responsible small-scale mining.
The issue of galamsey has been at the center of national discourse for years, with illegal mining operations wreaking havoc on Ghana's environment, polluting water bodies, and depleting forests.
Despite multiple government interventions, enforcement remains a challenge, as powerful figures-including politicians-have often been accused of backing illegal mining operations.
