Minority Leader Calls for Urgent Action Against Illegal Mining in Ghana

Accra: Dr Cassiel Ato Baah Forson, the Minority Leader of Ghana's Parliament, has issued a stern warning about the severe consequences of illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey, on the nation's environment and economy. In his address to Parliament, he criticized the current government for its alleged failure to tackle the issue effectively. According to Ghana News Agency, Dr Forson delivered his remarks during the welcome speech at the Fifth Meeting of the Fourth Session of the Eighth Parliament of the Fourth Republic of Ghana, which reconvened at the Dome of the Accra International Conference Centre. He accused the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia-led NPP government of lacking the political will to combat the menace of galamsey, which he claimed has devastated communities across Ghana. "Mr Speaker, we are at a crisis point. Leadership failure, official complicity, and lack of political will have brought us here," Dr Forson stated, urging the Parliament to act decisively and pressure the government for immediate inter vention. Dr Forson stressed that the future of Ghana's natural resources and the well-being of future generations are at risk if strong leadership and accountability are not established. He called for urgent legislative action to address the crisis, emphasizing that inaction is no longer a viable option. The Parliamentary session is set to discuss several "non-controversial" Bills, as noted by Mr Alexander Afenyo-Markin, the Majority Leader. Among the legislation expected to be passed are the EPA Bill, the Free SHS Bill, and a Constitutional Instrument by the Judiciary to regulate election procedures in the country, which were highlighted during a Leaders' Media Briefing.