Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin has launched an investigation into a petition against a Member of Parliament (MP) accused of involvement in illegal mining, also known as “galamsey.
Bagbin made the announcement at a conference on responsible small-scale mining, where he emphasized that Parliament will not tolerate any MP found complicit in destructive mining activities.
The Speaker warned that any MP caught engaging in or facilitating illegal mining will face the full force of the law, stressing the need for lawmakers to uphold accountability and integrity.
He also revealed that the MP in question has already appeared before him, and an investigation is underway.
“Let me be unequivocal in stating that Parliament will not tolerate any MP, regardless of position, who is found to be complicit in destructive mining activities,” he stated.
This move is part of a broader effort to address the issue of galamsey in Ghana, which has severe environmental and economic consequences.
“There’s a petition before me concerning an MP, and I have initiated an investigation. The member himself has appeared before me on that. We are not going to countenance it at all. As lawmakers, we must lead by example. Any MP caught engaging in or facilitating this type of existential threat to our lives will face the full rigours of the law—and I mean what I say.
The government has been working to finalize a strategy for responsible small-scale mining, and Bagbin’s announcement is a significant step towards holding lawmakers accountable for their actions.
“We cannot preach accountability and integrity to the nation while turning a blind eye to misconduct within our ranks.” He added.
