In the ongoing battle against illegal small-scale mining, or galamsey, in Ghana, a challenging issue has emerged. Andy Kwame Appiah-Kubi, the Member of Parliament (MP) for Asante-Akim North Constituency, has raised questions about the Attorney-General’s assertion that there is no concrete evidence linking government officials to galamsey activities.
Appiah-Kubi’s concerns stem from a discrepancy between official statements and the visual evidence available.
According to a report by [GhanaWeb], Appiah-Kubi is convinced that photographic and video evidence exists, showcasing the participation of government officials and private citizens in galamsey operations.
He emphasizes that the Attorney-General should not solely rely on the verbal denials of the accused individuals but rather initiate a more comprehensive investigation.
The genesis of this dispute can be traced back to a report submitted by Professor Kwabena Frimpong-Boateng, the former Chairman of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Illegal Mining (IMCIM).
The report made alarming claims, suggesting that certain government officials and private individuals had repurposed confiscated excavators and equipment, originally seized from illegal miners, for their own galamsey ventures.
Appiah-Kubi underscores the gravity of these allegations. Such activities, he contends, seriously undermine the government’s efforts to combat galamsey and safeguard the environment.
His appeal is clear: he implores the Attorney-General not to let the issue fade into obscurity but rather to pursue it rigorously until a conclusion is reached.
Appiah-Kubi is emphatic about the right of the Ghanaian people to know the truth and see justice served.
He emphasizes that his intent is not to accuse anyone of wrongdoing but, rather, to advocate for a comprehensive investigation that will dispel any doubts.
ALSO READ: Volta River Real Estates Limited Reshapes 5km of Akuse Roads – (ghanaeducation.org)
This challenge to the official stance on government officials’ involvement in galamsey emphasizes the importance of transparency and accountability in environmental protection efforts.
As the nation grapples with the ramifications of illegal mining activities, it becomes increasingly vital to address such allegations in a thorough and unbiased manner.
The quest for clarity and the upholding of justice are essential elements in the ongoing struggle to preserve Ghana’s natural resources and environment.
BOOKMARK GHANAEDUCATION.ORG FOR MORE!