The Member of Parliament for Subin, Eugene Boakye Antwi of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has urged President Akufo-Addo to take strong action against government officials who have not effectively addressed the issue of illegal mining (galamsey). This plea comes as there is increasing frustration over the government’s failure to control illegal mining activities, which have caused significant damage to the environment and local communities.
Speaking in an interview with JoyNews on Thursday, October 3, Mr Antwi stressed the detrimental impact of galamsey on the nation’s water bodies, forests, and agricultural lands. He insisted that the continued degradation of the environment poses a significant threat to the livelihoods of many Ghanaians, particularly those in rural areas dependent on these resources for their survival.
The lawmaker’s remarks resonate with the concerns of many citizens who are increasingly disillusioned with the government’s efforts to address the issue. Mr Antwi specifically pointed out that certain government officials have not only failed to implement existing policies effectively but have also allowed illegal mining operations to flourish under their watch.
He believes that accountability is crucial and that officials who are not performing their duties should be held responsible for their inaction. The MP urged the President to consider their dismissal as a necessary step toward restoring public trust and demonstrating a genuine commitment to tackling the galamsey crisis.
“If we know the people doing the illegal mining, if they are party people or political opponents, let’s walk in there and get them arrested and make them face the law. This party will be better served in government than in opposition because of certain employees’ corrupt or illegal position.”
“We are not going to condone it. I am an NPP person and I am not going to sit here and condone an illegality. Something that I have not been part of, why should I come and support or defend it,” he insisted. The Subin MP’s view contradicts that of other NPP MPs who believe that any attempt to deal with galamsey at this time will cause the party to lose votes in the impending general elections.
By: Ernest K. Arhinful
