The Member of Parliament for Afigya Kwabre North, Collins Adomako Mensah, has called on the Mahama-led administration to move beyond rhetoric and take decisive action in addressing the persistent menace of illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.
He expressed concern that despite repeated assurances from government officials, including the President and the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah, little progress has been made on the ground to curb the environmental destruction caused by the activity.
Speaking with Selorm Adonoo on The Big Issue on Channel One TV on Saturday, October 11, Mr. Adomako Mensah said the government must deliver on the promises it made during the 2024 general elections.
“Yes, I have seen a lot of activities the president is talking about, the minister is running around, but Trades’ Union Congress is telling you that what is happening on the ground does not reflect the rhetoric being made by the President and the Minister. And I think the President, the government and the minister go beyond the rhetoric into action. They promised a few things. I believe that they can start from there,” he urged.
The MP cited specific commitments, including the repeal of Legislative Instrument (L.I.) 2462, which regulates small-scale mining operations.
“They promised that they’re going to repeal the L.I 2462. I have been told that the Minister has sent some documentation to the Attorney General and that when Parliament resumes, it will be laid. I’m just hoping that this time round, it will be laid.
He stressed, “I hope this time they will make do on the promise. They talked about using AI to fight galamsey; I have not seen any activity around that as promised in their manifesto.”
Mr. Adomako Mensah also urged the government to act on its pledge to go after the masterminds behind illegal mining operations, emphasising the role of national security agencies in identifying and prosecuting such individuals.
“The President talked about going after the kingpins. I’m sure National Security can assist in the investigation to get to the kingpins. The first thing they should do is to fulfil the promise they made to Ghanaians,” he stated.
He further advised the government to communicate openly with the public if it requires additional time to address the challenge, while calling for a collective national effort to tackle the crisis.
“It’s my wish that we all come together as a people to bring this terrible menace under control,” he said.
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