The Member of Parliament for Tamale North, Alhassan Suhuyini, has called on President Nana Akufo-Addo to investigate and prosecute government appointees found to be complicit in the illegal mining (galamsey) menace in Ghana.
Mr. Suhuyini expressed disappointment in what he described as the president’s lack of political will to tackle the problem, despite numerous promises to address illegal mining, which continues to destroy Ghana’s environment.
The lawmaker insists that the fight against galamsey cannot be won unless individuals within government circles, who are allegedly aiding the practice, are held accountable.
According to Mr. Suhuyini, several government officials, including regional ministers and district chief executives, have been accused of complicity in illegal mining activities, either through direct involvement or by turning a blind eye.
These appointees, he noted, wield significant power in their areas of jurisdiction, making it difficult for law enforcement to carry out their duties effectively.
In a press statement issued on Sunday, 15 September 2024, Mr Suhuyini insisted that prosecuting such officials will send a strong signal that the government is serious about ending galamsey and protecting the country’s natural resources.
In his statement, Mr. Suhuyini also highlighted the devastating impact of galamsey on Ghana’s water bodies, farmlands, and forest reserves.
He criticised government’s approach, which he said has largely focused on punishing small-scale miners while ignoring the involvement of politically connected individuals and business elites.
The MP stressed that the environmental and social consequences of illegal mining, including water pollution and the destruction of livelihoods, cannot be overstated and demand urgent action.
Rhe lawmaker called on civil society organiSations, traditional authorities, and the media to continue holding the government accountable for its handling of the galamsey crisis.
He urged Ghanaians to remain vigilant and speak out against the environmental degradation caused by illegal mining. Suhuyini believes that the collective effort of all stakeholders is crucial in putting an end to the practice, but it must begin with strong leadership from the presidency.
“The detrimental impacts of galamsay are widespread, affecting not just the environment but also the livelihoods of countless individuals who depend on clean water and healthy ecosystems.
“We call upon President Nana Akufo Addo and his government to without fail address the nation on the State of our Environment, outlining the immediate and decisive actions to be taken to address these illegal activities,” Mr. Suhuyini noted.
The statement added: “This should include how to enforce the existing laws more rigorously, conducting thorough investigations especially on several allegations of the complicity of many government officials and party leaders, and holding accountable those already implicated by previous investigations in these destructive practices.”
Source:classfmonline.com