The Member of Parliament for Weija-Gbawe, Jerry Ahmed Shaib, has called for a united front in the fight against illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey, emphasising that the menace has been overly politicised to the nation’s detriment.
Speaking on the issue, he expressed concern over how political figures and parties continue to blame each other instead of finding lasting solutions to the problem.
According to Shaib, the focus should not be on which political party is responsible for the menace but on implementing effective measures to curb its devastating effects.
He highlighted the alarming rate at which Ghana’s water bodies are being contaminated due to illegal mining activities, stressing that this poses a severe threat to public health and access to clean water.
“The time for blame games is over,” he stated. “We need a national consensus to deal with galamsey. This is not a problem for just one party or one leader; it affects every Ghanaian, and we all have a role to play.”
Jerry Ahmed Shaib further called on legislators and the judiciary to stand firmly with the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources in enforcing laws against illegal mining.
He argued that without strong institutional backing, the fight against galamsey would remain ineffective. He stressed that while the Ministry is actively working on solutions, it must be empowered with the necessary tools and resources to carry out its mandate effectively.
“We must strengthen the legal framework and ensure that enforcement agencies have the power and resources to act decisively. Lawmakers and judges must work together to make sure that offenders are held accountable,” he urged.
In his address, Lawyer Jerry Ahmed Shaib also called for unwavering political will from all parliamentary candidates, insisting that the fight against galamsey should not rest on the shoulders of President John Dramani Mahama.
He pointed out that political figures across the spectrum must commit to addressing the issue, as its impact goes beyond party lines.
“It is not enough for only John Mahama to show commitment in fighting galamsey. Every politician, every leader, and every candidate aspiring to hold office must demonstrate the will to combat this problem. We need a bipartisan approach, not just promises from one side,” he emphasised.
Mr. Shaib further linked the fight against galamsey to broader socio-economic issues, including youth unemployment and public health concerns.
He argued that if galamsey were properly addressed, the government could redirect efforts toward creating sustainable jobs for the youth, reducing the dependency on illegal mining for livelihood.
Additionally, he pointed out that illegal mining has led to severe health complications, as people in mining communities are exposed to toxic chemicals such as mercury and cyanide, which pollute the soil and water.
“When we curb galamsey, we are not just protecting the environment; we are solving critical problems like unemployment and health crises. The youth need better alternatives, and that starts with real investment in job creation and skills training,” he said.
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