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The Speaker of Parliament, Alban S.K. Bagbin, has added his voice to the calls for swift action against the growing threat of illegal mining in the country’s forest reserves and water bodies.
In a Facebook post on Tuesday, October 8, 2024, Speaker Bagbin stressed the urgency of addressing the environmental damage caused by illegal mining, known locally as galamsey. He emphasized the need for collective efforts to tackle the issue, which has led to significant ecological degradation.
“We started off with good intentions to help build this country,” he wrote, reflecting on the shared responsibility of citizens to contribute positively to the nation’s development, especially since adopting democracy. Bagbin pointed out that those empowered to build Ghana must not be the ones whose actions or inactions undermine its progress.
He also expressed concern about the targeting of individuals who raise their voices against illegal mining, criticizing a pattern where those speaking out are silenced or marginalized by those in positions of power.
Bagbin called for a united front to combat illegal mining, urging all stakeholders to take responsibility for safeguarding the country’s environmental future. “We cannot be the ones who destroy the country by clinging to power while the environment is ravaged by individuals claiming to be licensed miners, and simultaneously suppress voices that speak out. Ghana deserves better!” he declared.
Source:Omanghana.com
