Member of Parliament for Weija-Gbawe, Jerry Ahmed Shaib
The Member of Parliament for Weija-Gbawe, Jerry Ahmed Shaib, has expressed worry over what he described as the worsening state of illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.
In an interview on Star FM’s Star Chart and monitored by GhanaWeb on Friday, May 16, 2025, he criticised the apparent lack of stringent action against foreign nationals involved in the practice.
“When foreigners involved in galamsey are arrested, nobody is deported, and you think that makes sense? What example are we setting if foreign nationals destroy our lands and water bodies and face no real consequences?
“The government’s fight against galamsey has been terrible. The scale of destruction is humongous, massive. I do not believe that President Mahama, under these circumstances, would still be comfortable sleeping at home, thinking this situation should be allowed to persist,” he said.
He continued; “Are you telling me that galamsey can be stopped by a Blue Water Guards or whatever? President Mahama even told us while in opposition that there was going to be a state of emergency within areas that galamsey is being perpetuated.”
The MP called for urgent and decisive action, including deportations where necessary, to send a strong message to both local and foreigners that the government will no longer tolerate the destruction of Ghana’s environment and future.
Illegal mining activities continue to wreak havoc across the country, polluting water bodies, and posing significant threat to livelihoods and ecosystems.
JKB/AE
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