Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has announced the launch of an investigation into a petition against a Member of Parliament (MP) accused of involvement in illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey.
Speaking at a conference on Wednesday, February 26, where MPs and stakeholders finalized a strategy for responsible small-scale mining, Bagbin made it clear that Parliament would not shield any lawmaker found complicit in destructive mining activities.
“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 declared.
Confirming the ongoing probe, Bagbin revealed, “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.”
The Speaker also emphasized the need for lawmakers to uphold accountability and integrity, stressing that MPs must lead by example.
“As lawmakers, we must set the standard. Any MP caught engaging in or facilitating this type of existential threat to our environment will face the full rigours of the law—and I mean what I say,” he asserted.
He further noted, “We cannot preach accountability and integrity to the nation while turning a blind eye to misconduct within our ranks.”
The investigation marks a significant step in Parliament’s efforts to tackle illegal mining and enforce ethical leadership among its members.
