The Chairman of Parliament’s Select Committee on Environment, Science, and Technology, Ebenezer Okletey Terlabi, has announced his intention to address the issue of illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey, when Parliament reconvenes on October 15, 2024.
The upcoming session, the 5th meeting of the 4th session, will take place at the Accra International Conference Centre.
Speaking to Citi News, the Member of Parliament for Lower Manya Krobo expressed concern over the government’s continued silence on the illegal mining crisis, emphasizing the need for immediate action.
He stated, “When we get back, I have a couple of issues that I am going to raise on the floor of Parliament. It has to do with galamsey and the government’s reaction. I will make sure that whoever needs to respond will be brought to Parliament to come and respond to the reason why what we are seeing is going on.”
Mr Terlabi further criticized the government’s focus, suggesting that political considerations are being prioritized over addressing the environmental damage caused by galamsey.
“The whole country is in arms against illegal mining, and this government is stoned silent. Their consideration is only to win the election, and I think that is not good,” he added.
In addition to raising concerns about illegal mining, Terlabi highlighted delays in the passage of the Environmental Protection Bill, which has been stalled in Parliament. He blamed certain ministers for obstructing the bill, which he believes is critical to strengthening the powers of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to effectively regulate environmental issues.
“I am beginning to understand the reason why some of the ministers, some of the appointees of the president are refusing and will not allow us to pass the EPA bill, which gives a certain authority and policing power to the EPA to control all the various institutions that have something to do with the environment,” he noted. Terlabi pointed to past challenges where ministers from different ministries had blocked efforts to bring the bill into law.