Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin has issued a stern warning to lawmakers, stating that no Member of Parliament (MP) will be exempt from accountability if found involved in illegal mining, known as galamsey.
His statement comes in response to a petition alleging an MP’s participation in the harmful activity, leading to an official parliamentary investigation.
“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,” Bagbin declared while addressing a conference on responsible small-scale mining.
The issue of galamsey has been at the center of national discourse for years, with illegal mining operations wreaking havoc on Ghana’s environment, polluting water bodies, and depleting forests.
Despite multiple government interventions, enforcement remains a challenge, as powerful figures—including politicians—have often been accused of backing illegal mining operations.
The Speaker made it clear that Parliament will not serve as a refuge for those who violate the law.
“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,” he cautioned.
