Dr. Rashid Pelpuo Urges Government To Take Further Action Against Illegal Mining
The Member of Parliament for Wa Central Constituency, Hon. Rashid Pelpuo, has called on the government to intensify its efforts in combating illegal mining, commonly known as “galamsey,” in Ghana.
Speaking at a press conference held in parliament, the legislator expressed his concerns about the current state of affairs and suggested that mere arrests were not enough to address the issue effectively.
Hon. Pelpuo highlighted the recent arrest of Professor Frimpong Boateng, the former Chairman of the defunct Inter-Ministerial Committee on Illegal Mining is a slap in the wrist as he emphasized that the government should extend its actions beyond individual arrests.
He specifically called for the arrest of government appointees allegedly involved in illegal mining activities, such as Hon. Joseph Albert Quarm including President’s cousin Gabby Okyere Darko, both of whom were indicted by the committee.
The MP stressed the importance of conducting a public inquiry into the committee’s report and the damage caused to the country’s forest reserves.
He expressed deep concern over the widespread destruction of lands and rivers by galamsey operators and argued that such a public inquiry would shed light on the extent of the problem.
In addition to advocating for a public inquiry, Hon. Pelpuo announced his willingness to collaborate with environmentally conscious citizens to safeguard Ghana’s natural environment.
The ranking member of the Parliamentary select committee on Lands and Natural Resources urged the government to revoke Executive Instrument EI 144, which currently puts 361.50 acres of the Achimota forest reserves at risk.
The MP emphasized the need to preserve existing forests nationwide and reaffirmed his commitment to restoring the damaged environment to promote a green Ghana, especially given the country’s vulnerability to climate change.
Furthermore, the legislator called for a temporary halt on community mining activities throughout the country.
He expressed concern that community mining was causing extensive destruction and giving the impression of legalized galamsey.
The MP’s passionate appeal for stronger action against galamsey reflects the growing concerns of citizens and environmental activists in Ghana.
It remains to be seen how the government will respond to these demands and whether further measures will be taken to address the pressing issue of illegal mining in the country.
