The Member of Parliament for Okaikwei Central, Patrick Yaw Boamah, has urged Ghanaians to demand commitment from political leaders in battling the canker of illegal mining and its impact on the nation’s water bodies.

Speaking to the press in Parliament on Thursday, October 17, 2024, Patrick Boamah emphasised the need for de-politicisation of the galamsey fight in the interest of public good.

“When the water bodies are polluted — Pra, Birim, Densu, Ankobra, and Offin — they don’t know NDC and NPP. The question is, what is the interest of Ghanaians in this matter? That’s the question. Are we okay with what is happening? No. Are the major political parties being honest with Ghanaians to ensure that the right things are done? That should be at the heart of the discussion.

"Are they prepared to sign a pact to show the leadership that Ghanaians want to see from political parties in the fight against the pollution of our river bodies and mining in our forest reserves? Must it always be about money? That should be the conversation. It’s not about NDC or NPP. As for politicians, they are always talking about votes, but how about the citizenry? You must push us to do the right thing,” he said.

He added “Ask the politicians to do the right things to save our river bodies. Please, I beg you, don’t let them muddy or pollute the environment with unnecessary statements.”

The heightened destruction of water bodies and forest reserves by illegal mining activities has led to renewed calls on the government to implement strict measures against the menace.

Meanwhile, the government, as part of measures to tackle galamsey, has dispatched a team of soldiers to curb the activities of illegal mining under the Operation Halt initiative.

GA/AE

Watch the latest episode of Everyday People on GhanaWeb TV below: