MPs engaged in galamsey will face severe sanctions – Bagbin warns

The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has issued a strong warning to Members of Parliament, declaring that any legislator caught engaging in illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey, will face severe repercussions.

Addressing the plenary on Tuesday, January 28, Speaker Bagbin stressed that Parliament must take a firm and decisive stance against the growing galamsey threat, which he described as having caused widespread environmental devastation across the country.

He pointed out that MPs, as leaders and representatives of the people, have a duty to set a positive example by upholding the law, rather than participating in activities that harm the nation’s environment.

In his remarks, Speaker Bagbin emphasized the gravity of the situation and urged all MPs to take personal responsibility and completely dissociate themselves from any involvement in galamsey operations.

“Honourable members, galamsey must be confronted head on. If any of you happen to be involved in galamsey, please advise yourself. You must be prepared as a house to bite the bullet. We must lead and show the way. And please, if I get any information that any of you is involved in galamsey, we will start taking the necessary action from the House.”

The Speaker’s comments come at a time when illegal mining continues to pose a threat to Ghana’s environment, particularly its water bodies and forests.

Over the years, several reports have emerged implicating politicians, including MPs and government officials, in illegal mining activities, either through direct involvement or by providing protection for illegal miners.

The fight against illegal mining has been a major issue in Ghana for decades, with successive governments introducing various measures to curb its devastating effects.

However, despite numerous interventions, including the establishment of task forces, bans, and military operations, galamsey remains rampant, largely due to the complicity of influential individuals, including some politicians.