The President of the Ghana Bar Association (GBA), Yaw Acheampong Boafo, has called on the government to intensify its efforts in tackling illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey, by going after the powerful individuals believed to be behind the destructive practice.
Speaking at the 2024/2025 Annual General Conference in Kumasi on Monday, September 9, Boafo highlighted the urgency of addressing the issue, which has long been a matter of public concern due to its devastating effects on the environment and communities. "…The anecdotal evidence that galamsey is controlled by a powerful interest in Ghana cannot be ignored.
The state must be honest and deal with the real powers behind this menace," he stated.
The GBA President also condemned comments by the Member of Parliament for Nsawam Adoagyiri, Frank Annoh-Dompreh claiming that the National Democratic Congress (NDC), during their tenure polluted more water bodies than the ruling New Patriotic Party.
The GBA President described the comments as irresponsible and called for more national attention to crack down on illegal mining activities.
During an emergency parliamentary sitting on September 3, Annoh-Dompreh, the Majority Chief Whip, alleged that an investigation would reveal that the NDC caused more water pollution during their tenure.
However, Yaw Acheampong Boafo in his address on Monday stated, "It was quite shocking and most regrettable when a member of the leadership of parliament on the floor of parliament stated that the minority party during this period in government polluted the waters of Ghana more than the ruling party." "Such an irresponsible statement by a member of parliament is symptomatic of the malaise affecting our dear nation.
Every issue must be reduced to partisan point-scoring by a parallel nation's police drive