The Second Deputy Minority Whip and MP for Weija Gbawe, Hon. Jerry Ahmed Shaib, has delivered a statement on the government’s handling of the country’s precious minerals, accusing them of “rebranding” the Precious Minerals and Marketing Company to GoldBod and encouraging galamsey (illegal mining) in the process.
Speaking during the 2026 State of the Nation Address debate, Hon. Shaib highlighted the devastating impact of galamsey on the country’s forests, citing widespread deforestation and environmental degradation. “Speaker, everywhere you pass, there is galamsey. Galamsey has become a problem to the extent that if we don’t take care, you will not be found alive in the next 20 years,” he warned.
Hon. Shaib blamed the government’s focus on making losses and lavish spending, citing the example of sending ladies to London for parties while the country suffers from the effects of galamsey. “We are trading 24/7 electricity for a few bars of gold today. It is a national security emergency that people demand accountability,” he said, quoting a statement from a concerned citizen.
He expressed disappointment with the government’s response, saying they are more interested in rebranding and making losses than addressing the galamsey crisis.
“All they are doing is encouraging galamsey. We are selling gold, making losses, and sending some set of women to London to go and chill with our money,” he said.
He also took on the government’s financial mismanagement, citing the sale of 18 tonnes of gold reserves for $2.22 billion and the current governor’s plan to buy back the same gold for $3.4 billion.
“Who is taking the $1.3 billion profit?” he asked, calling for accountability and transparency in government dealings.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
