Accra: Mr Mahama Ayariga, the Majority Leader and Leader of Government Business, has questioned the sincerity of Members of Parliament (MPs) who consistently raise concerns about the illegal mining scourge, popularly known as galamsey. He was addressing the issue in response to a call from Mr Frank Annor-Dompreh, Minority Chief Whip and MP for Nsawam Adoagyiri, who urged for a weekly briefing from the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Mr Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, on efforts to curb the menace.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr Ayariga challenged MPs to reflect on their roles in addressing the menace in their constituencies, questioning what actions they have personally taken to combat galamsey. During Parliamentary proceedings on Friday, he pointedly asked, 'What have you, as MPs, done in your constituencies to stop galamsey?'
Mr Ayariga noted that his office had not received any reports from any MP regarding personal efforts to curb the menace in their constituencies. He criticized many MPs who frequently speak about the problem, accusing them of 'pretending as if they care about galamsey,' and emphasized that genuine commitment must transcend mere rhetoric in the chamber.
Mr Ayariga's remarks have brought to light the growing tensions in Parliament concerning the fight against illegal mining, which continues to pose significant environmental, social, and economic challenges across the country.