Deputy Ranking Member on Parliament’s Local Government and Rural Development Committee, Alexander Akwasi Acquah, has questioned the government’s inability to make an example of public officials implicated in illegal mining (galamsey) activities.
Speaking during a JoyNews National Dialogue on illegal mining on Thursday, the lawmaker argued that the fight against galamsey cannot be won if authorities fail to hold officials accountable.
His remarks come on the back of a JoyNews Hotline documentary, which revealed that some district assemblies in mining communities are allegedly collecting fees from operators of banned mining equipment—a practice described as a “galamsey tax” system.
He expressed concern that local authorities who are mandated to protect their jurisdictions are instead being drawn into the illegal mining trade.
“We’ve had the EPA episodes where the chief executive and his deputy were driven out. We’ve had the Hwidiem experience. If you look at the Minerals Commission as well,” he recalled.
“We are talking about how the local authorities, those who are supposed to safeguard the jurisdiction, are getting involved in it,” he said.
Mr Acquah questioned why the government has not been able, within the past year, to take decisive action against any official as a deterrent.
“For the past one year, has it been possible for the government to just have one person and use as an example?” he asked.
According to him, illegal mining would significantly reduce if Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) were committed to protecting the environment and supporting the President’s efforts.
He suggested that some officials are abusing their influence to shield perpetrators from accountability.
“Many of them are involved… and they are using the power they have to cover up,” he added.
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Source: www.myjoyonline.com