Tamale North MP, Alhassan Suhuyini, has urged President Nana Akufo-Addo to investigate and prosecute government officials involved in Ghana’s illegal mining (galamsey) crisis.
Mr Suhuyini expressed frustration over what he perceives as the president’s failure to demonstrate political will in addressing illegal mining, despite repeated promises to combat the environmental devastation it causes.
He argues that the galamsey battle cannot be won unless government insiders allegedly supporting the practice are held accountable.
The MP claimed that various government officials, including regional ministers and district chief executives, have been implicated in illegal mining—whether through direct involvement or by ignoring the issue.
These appointees, the MP pointed out, hold considerable power within their regions, making it challenging for law enforcement to effectively intervene.
In a statement issued on Sunday, September 15, Suhuyini emphasized that prosecuting such officials would signal the government’s commitment to ending galamsey and safeguarding the country’s natural resources.
He also stressed the severe consequences of galamsey on Ghana’s water bodies, farmlands, and forests, criticizing the government’s approach of focusing primarily on small-scale miners while overlooking the role of influential individuals and business elites.
Suhuyini underscored the environmental and social damage caused by illegal mining, such as water contamination and loss of livelihoods, calling for immediate action.
He called on civil society groups, traditional leaders, and the media to continue pressuring the government on its handling of the galamsey issue, urging Ghanaians to stay alert and speak out against the environmental destruction. Suhuyini believes that ending galamsey requires the collective effort of all stakeholders, with strong leadership from the presidency as the starting point.
“The detrimental impacts of galamsay are widespread, affecting not just the environment but also the livelihoods of countless individuals who depend on clean water and healthy ecosystems.”
“We call upon President Nana Akufo Addo and his government to without fail address the nation on the State of our Environment, outlining the immediate and decisive actions to be taken to address these illegal activities.”
“This should include how to enforce the existing laws more rigorously, conducting thorough investigations especially on several allegations of the complicity of many government officials and party leaders, and holding accountable those already implicated by previous investigations in these destructive practices.”