Bagbin probes MP over galamsey allegations

Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has announced the launch of an investigation into a petition against a Member of Parliament (MP) over alleged involvement in illegal mining, known as “galamsey.”

Speaking at a conference on Wednesday, February 26, where MPs and stakeholders finalized a strategy for responsible small-scale mining, Bagbin warned that Parliament would not shield any lawmaker found complicit in destructive mining activities.

“Let me be unequivocal in stating that Parliament will not tolerate any MP, regardless of position, who is found to be complicit in destructive mining activities,” he stated.

Revealing the ongoing probe, he added, “There’s a petition before me concerning an MP, and I have initiated an investigation. The member himself has appeared before me on that. We are not going to countenance it at all.”

Bagbin also underscored the need for lawmakers to uphold accountability and integrity, stating, “As lawmakers, we must lead by example. Any MP caught engaging in or facilitating this type of existential threat to our lives will face the full rigours of the law—and I mean what I say.

“We cannot preach accountability and integrity to the nation while turning a blind eye to misconduct within our ranks.”