The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has disclosed that some Members of Parliament (MPs) are involved in illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey which continue to threatens the country’s vegetation cover and water bodies cross the various mining districts.
The speaker made the disclosure during a two-day emergency sitting of Parliament, whiles the Members of the house were debating about the ongoing galamsey crisis that seems to have polluted major water source for domestic and industrial use.
The chambers discussions highlighted the state’s failure to effectively address the illegal mining national security threat problem, with arguments presented from both sides of the house.
In response, Speaker Bagbin urged MPs to refrain from engaging in galamsey activities, emphasizing the need for Parliament to set a positive example in the fight against illegal mining.
“Who are those participating in the galamsey. If we take census some of you will be there and the people you are talking to are aware. It is not that they are not aware. They are aware that some of you are participating in it.”
“So please first desist from doing it yourself. Don’t go to them for your money for your campaigns. Don’t go to solicit their votes. Let them see your work. Truly it is a disgrace that we’ve gone this far. Look at the water horrible,” he stated.
In Ashanti region, the overlord of the Asante Kingdom Otumfuo Osei Tutu II has destool some chiefs directory involve in the illegal mining activities as part of the respected Asante King’s Commitment towards preserving the forest and water boides.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
