Hon. Alhassan Suhuyini, the deputy ranking member on the Lands and Forestry Committee of Parliament, and the MP for Tamale North constituency has expressed his outrage and disappointment of Galamsey activities, amidst the level of destruction and impunity displayed at Konongo, along the Konongo-Accra Highway.
According to Hon. Alhassan Suhuyini, the impunity, the total breakdown of law and order, and the sheer destruction in the full glare of everybody, tells how this current government’s fight against galamsey has always been a sham.
“When I saw it, I couldn’t believe my eyes.”
Hon. Alhassan Suhuyini MP for Tamale North Constituency
Hon. Suhuyini described the scene as “unquestionable destruction” and highlighted the pollution of nearby water bodies. He emphasized that the people had to use road caps to prevent the destruction from getting onto the hard road.
Hon. Suhuyini further questioned the inaction of the district chief executive, saying, “The president and the government must be ashamed. How come the district executive is still at post 24 hours after this came to light?”
Hon. Suhuyini emphasized that this incident is not an isolated one, but rather a culmination of several instances of embarrassment for the government.
“…Many instances and many reasons why this government should be embarrassed, but this puts the icing on the cake.”
Hon. Alhassan Suhuyini MP for Tamale North Constituency
Hon. Suhuyini also expressed disappointment in the commander-in-chief of the Ghana Armed Forces the president, saying;
“What is the president’s secretary, the commander-in-chief of the Ghana forces doing? Hasn’t this country’s attention been drawn to this?”
Hon. Alhassan Suhuyini MP for Tamale North Constituency
Hon. Suhuyini demanded accountability from the government. He argued that the people that he has put in charge of these districts have demonstrated a lack of responsibility. He pointed out that the district chief executive should not still be in post by this time. Hon. Alhassan Suhuyini highlighted the need for urgent action to address the issue of galamsey in Ghana.
Government’s loss Fight Against Galamsey
Meanwhile, the fight against illegal mining in Ghana has been a contentious issue, with many questioning the government’s commitment to tackling the problem. While the government claims to be making progress, residents in affected areas like Konogo paint a different picture.
However, a resident from the Konogo stated that;
“There is no war against illegal mining, You’ve been hearing on the news that there’s a war, but I’m telling you, there is no war. When you come to where they are mining, those in authority are those involved. There is no war against illegal mining. Now I have to think of putting charcoal in to my water [to make it] clearer.”
Bertha Narko a Resident at Konongo
Also, Pastor Richard of the New Life Church in Konongo indicated that his Church foundations are threatened by illegal mining activities. Pastor Richard’s sentiments are echoed by other residents, who claim that the government’s fight against illegal mining is nothing but a sham.
The situation in Konogo is dire, with residents forced to find ways to purify their water due to the pollution caused by illegal mining. Meanwhile, Despite the evident destruction caused by illegal mining, the Lands and Natural Resources Minister, Samuel Abu Jinapor, claimed that the government is making progress in the fight against the practice.
“Government is indeed making inroads in the fight against illegal mining and implementing the laws to fight illegal mining.”
Hon. Samuel Abu Jinapor Minister for Lands and Natural Resources
However, the reality on the ground tells a different story. The illegal mining activities in Konongo are taking place in broad daylight, with those in authority allegedly complicit.
The situation has become so dire that even other people driving by the Accra-Konongo Highway have attested to the destruction caused by illegal mining.
The situation underscored the fact that fighting against illegal mining in Ghana is a complex issue, with different stakeholders having different views on the matter. While the government claims to be making progress, residents in affected areas claim that the fight is nothing but a sham.
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