A member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Tema Central Constituency, Sam Anoon, has called for illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, to be classified as a treasonable offence.
According to him, the devastating impact of illegal mining on Ghana’s environment, particularly the destruction of forest reserves and pollution of water bodies, requires stronger legal measures to deal with the menace.
Speaking on Plan B FM’s Nkosuo Nsem with Kofi Sekyi, Sam Anoon said the issue of galamsey should be taken to Parliament for consideration, with the aim of passing legislation that would make the offence punishable as treason.
He argued that the scale of environmental destruction caused by illegal mining poses a serious threat to the country and requires a more aggressive and sustained response from the government.
His comments come amid intensified efforts by the government to combat illegal mining, with the National Alternative Employment and Livelihood Programme (NAELP) stepping up operations to remove equipment used at illegal mining sites.
Authorities have seized several excavators and Changfan machines as part of efforts to disrupt illegal mining activities. However, enforcement teams continue to face challenges as operators frequently move their equipment from one location to another to evade arrest and continue their activities.
Sam Anoon maintained that the current administration is committed to tackling the galamsey menace and said Ghana has made significant progress in the fight against illegal mining compared with the previous administration.
He said the continued seizure of mining equipment and efforts to reclaim affected areas demonstrate the government’s determination to protect the country’s water bodies, forest reserves and farmlands.
He, however, called for stronger measures to ensure that illegal miners are deterred from returning to previously cleared areas or relocating their operations to other communities.
By: Bernard Mensah
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