The African Centre for Parliamentary Affairs (ACEPA) has expressed disappointment in the Ninth Parliament, criticizing its perceived weak role in combating illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey.
According to ACEPA, Parliament has failed to give sustained attention to the galamsey menace, despite its devastating effects on the country’s environment, water bodies, and livelihoods.
In an interview with the media, ACEPA’s Executive Director, Dr. Rasheed Draman, said he had expected Parliament to prioritize the fight against galamsey and make it a regular topic of discussion until concrete actions were implemented.
“What many Ghanaians were expecting was that this Parliament would consistently focus on galamsey and debate it daily until real action was taken. Galamsey is destroying all of us, including Members of Parliament and the constituents they represent. On this front, Parliament has woefully failed Ghanaians,” he said.
Dr. Draman also raised concerns over allegations linking some MPs to illegal mining activities, calling the situation deeply troubling.
“The impact of galamsey on this country is alarming. I am uncertain what Ghana will look like in 10 to 15 years if this continues. If there is one issue the Ninth Parliament should be most concerned about, it is galamsey. History will hold them primarily responsible for addressing this problem,” he stressed.
He further lamented the lack of robust debate and critical scrutiny of government policies, attributing it in part to the ruling party’s overwhelming majority in Parliament
“Beyond occasional debates, we did not witness the vibrant discussions and policy challenges seen in the Eighth Parliament, particularly during budget debates. I had hoped the majority would challenge itself and compel the government to reconsider certain policies, but that did not happen,” Dr. Draman noted.
He concluded that the Ninth Parliament’s failure to maintain pressure on the government over galamsey represents a major shortcoming in its first year.
