Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has again issued a warning to Members of Parliament (MPs), stressing that anyone caught participating in illegal mining, commonly known as Galamsey, will face expulsion from the House.
“I have directed that each and everyone of you will be given the code of conduct that has been approved as a house,” Bagbin stated during his speech in Parliament today.
“I am going to enforce it. That is why I have said that if you have evidence of any member indulging in Galamsey, draw my attention. I will put in motion a process where you will lose your membership as a member of parliament.”
The Speaker’s remarks reinforce his earlier statement on Tuesday, January 28, where he emphasized the need to confront the illegal mining issue head-on.
He added, “Honourable members, galamsey must be confronted head-on. If any of you happen to be involved in galamsey, please advise yourself. You must be prepared as a house to bite the bullet. We must lead and show the way.”
Despite efforts by the government to crack down on the destructive practice, Galamsey continues to thrive, with mounting concerns over the environmental toll it takes, particularly in the contamination of water bodies and deforestation.
Bagbin’s comments also pointed to growing suspicions that some politicians and officials might be complicit in the illegal mining activities, which has worsened the situation.
In response to these concerns, the Speaker issued a firm warning: “We will take action. That is how we can fight Galamsey. We will start the fight from parliament.”
“I mean what I am saying. I am not joking,” he declared. “The law is there to enable us to do that.”
Speaker Bagbin’s adds his voice to the urgency of Galamsey crisis, insisting that Parliament must be the first to uphold the law and show leadership on this matter.
“If I get any information that any of you is involved in galamsey, we will start taking the necessary action from the House,” Bagbin asserted, emphasizing that no MP would be protected from the consequences.
