Amid a growing environmental crisis caused by illegal mining activities, also known as galamsey, the National Democratic Congress Minority Caucus in Parliament has called on President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to urgently address the nation.
The Ranking Member on Parliament’s Lands and Natural Resources Committee, Hon. Alhassan S. Suhuyini, in a strongly worded statement, demanded that the President take immediate and decisive action, calling for a nationwide address on the state of the environment.
“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”.
Hon. Alhassan S Suhuyini, MP Tamale North Constituency, and Ranking Member Lands and Natural Resources, Parliament
He stressed that the government must enforce existing laws rigorously, conduct thorough investigations, and hold accountable those implicated in illegal mining activities, including government officials and political party leaders accused of complicity.
Commitment of Civil Society Organizations
The Member of Parliament for Tamale North Constituency acknowledged the relentless efforts of civil society organizations and labour unions that have been at the forefront of the fight against galamsey.
He commended their advocacy, education, and community mobilization efforts, which have played a critical role in raising public awareness about the urgent need for environmental protection.
According to Hon. Suhuyini, these groups have been instrumental in highlighting the devastating impact of illegal mining and the urgent need for a collaborative approach to safeguard the environment.
Hon. Suhuyini expressed deep concern about the government’s response to the galamsey menace, describing it as “clueless and sometimes seemingly pretentious.”
He pointed out that, despite the numerous promises and high-cost initiatives launched by the government to tackle illegal mining, little to no progress has been made.
“The persistent pollution of our water bodies and the irreversible destruction of our cherished forest reserves pose significant threats to both our environment and public health.
“Despite numerous promises and money-sapping initiatives launched by the government, the situation continues to worsen as no progress has been made to effectively combat the galamsay menace, leaving many communities to bear severe consequences of the illegal mining activities”.
Hon. Alhassan S Suhuyini, MP Tamale North Constituency, and Ranking Member Lands and Natural Resources, Parliament.
The Scourge of Illegal Mining and NDC’s Commitment
Hon. Suhuyini’s statement also highlighted the widespread effects of galamsey, particularly on livelihoods, asserting that illegal mining activities have contaminated water sources and devastated ecosystems that are vital to the survival of many communities.
His call for action extended beyond immediate responses, as he assured Ghanaians that the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) and its flagbearer, former President John Dramani Mahama, are committed to implementing sustainable solutions should the party win the upcoming elections.
He reaffirmed the National Democratic Congress’s pledge to work constructively with civil society organizations and labour unions to address both the economic factors that drive illegal mining and the urgent need for environmental protection.
His statement also reiterated the NDC’s manifesto promise to introduce comprehensive policies that tackle the root causes of illegal mining while safeguarding the environment.
“We acknowledge more than ever how essential it is for all stakeholders to work together to find sustainable solutions that preserve our natural resources for future generations”.
Hon. Alhassan S Suhuyini, MP Tamale North Constituency, and Ranking Member Lands and Natural Resources, Parliament
In his closing remarks, the Ranking Member on Parliament’s Lands and Natural Resources Committee commended those who have dedicated their time and resources to combat the galamsey menace, reaffirming the NDC’s solidarity with communities affected by illegal mining.
“Together, we can advocate for and build a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable future for Ghana,” Hon. Suhuyini concluded, urging a collective effort in the fight against environmental degradation.
READ ALSO: GSE Kicks Off the Week with Over 5.2 Million Shares Traded, MTN Ghana Leads the Way
