The Member of Parliament for Subin, Eugene Boakye Antwi, has appealed to President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to take action against individuals within the ruling government allegedly involved in galamsey activities.
According to him, individuals who have been compromised by engaging in illegal mining must be arrested and held accountable, regardless of their political affiliations.
In an interview with JoyNews on Thursday, October 3, 2024, the lawmaker spoke about how some government officials have woefully failed to implement existing policies and measures effectively.
Boakye Antwi added that they have turned a blind eye, allowing illegal mining to thrive under their watch, myjoyonline.com reports.
"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 the corrupt or illegal position of certain employees.
"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 is quoted as saying.
Pressure is mounting on President Akufo-Addo to address and combat illegal mining activities, which have polluted several water bodies across the country.
Following Organized Labour's threat to embark on a strike on October 10, 2024, President Akufo-Addo has pleaded for more time to tackle and eradicate the issue.
Additionally, a three-day protest is underway, demanding a ban on illegal mining activities in the country.
MAG/AE