New Patriotic Party (NPP) Member of Parliament for Effiduase Asokore and Chairman of Parliament’s Health Committee, Dr Ayew Afriyie, has stated unequivocally that the government has no intention of banning illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey, either today or in the foreseeable future.
His remarks come amid increasing calls from various quarters, including environmental activists and opposition parties, for stronger measures to combat the detrimental effects of galamsey on Ghana’s water bodies and ecosystems.
Speaking at the Bawumia Volunteers 2024 (B24) launch in Kumasi, Dr Afriyie suggested that the NPP government is aware of the potential political ramifications of a ban on illegal mining, particularly regarding its support in mining constituencies.
He asserted that such a ban could lead to significant losses for the party in the upcoming elections, as it would alienate constituents who rely on the mining industry for their livelihoods.
Dr Afriyie further emphasised that the country’s water bodies were previously clean and that the introduction of foreign nationals into the galamsey sector has exacerbated the environmental crisis.
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