The Deputy Minister-Designate for Local Government, Decentralization, and Rural Development, Vincent Ekow Assafuah, has denied claims that the Akufo-Addo administration has failed to end illicit mining, also referred to as “Galamsey.”
Emmanuel Kofi Armah Buah, the Ellembelle MP, asked Assafuah about the ineffectiveness of the government’s efforts against “Galamsey” on Monday, March 11, 2024, during the latter’s vetting by the Parliament’s Appointments Committee.
He refuted this assertion by outlining the concrete actions the government has done to discourage people from endangering water resources.
“That cannot be an acceptable position. I do not agree with any assertions that there’s a failure on the part of the government as far as ‘Galamsey’ is concerned. In 2017, the President [Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo] had to put his job on the line.
“There have been some pragmatic steps taken by the government to deal with the menace. We all know about the review of the Minerals Act whereby there have been stiffer punishments for persons found culpable of engaging in ‘Galamsey’ under this government.”
Acknowledging the challenges posed by the ‘Galamsey’ conflict, he promised to work with his Minister to find a solution.
“I agree there might be some challenges, however, what I intend to do is study the issues that surround ‘Galamsey’ menace, and I will engage with my minister in solving it,”
.
