Hon. Stephen Amoah, Member of Parliament for Nhyiaeso, has urged the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to apologise to Ghanaians for their failure in dealing with illegal mining (galamsey).
He stated that the issue of galamsey has been the most important test for both the NDC and the NPP, especially when in government.
He described this as an antisocial behaviour that contributed to the defeat of the NPP, noting that the party was blamed for galamsey.
He claimed that Ghanaians voted out the NPP thinking the NDC would have dealt with galamsey within the shortest possible time.
However, he noted that the NDC has failed to deliver on the promises they made while in opposition.
He has therefore stressed the need for politicians to put aside their differences and work collaboratively towards eradicating the menace.
Speaking in Parliament, Hon. Amoah stressed that the fight against galamsey is a national issue requiring collective effort, devoid of politics and propaganda.
He condemned the NDC especially for exploiting galamsey for political gain, calling on the party to apologize to Ghanaians for lying about what they said concerning illegal mining.
The lawmaker noted that galamsey has aggravated under the NDC, calling for immediate action.
“I will never blame the NDC government. I am asking them first to apologize to us and Ghanaians for lying to us. Mr. Speaker, the deception, the propaganda, the lies they told Ghanaians… let’s us all understand the fact that some of these issues must be given the needed national attention devoid of politics because it is destroying us.”
Sticka, as he is affectionately called, appealed to all relevant stakeholders, especially our chiefs, to join forces to combat galamsey, highlighting the role of some chiefs in selling land to illegal miners.
He also called on the security agencies not to allow themselves to be compromised in their fight against galamsey.
MP Amoah commended former President John Dramani Mahama’s efforts to tackle galamsey but noted that establishing task forces alone is insufficient.
The Nhyiaso MP urged Parliament to support the current government’s efforts to combat galamsey, advocating for a bipartisan approach to tackle the issue.
He concluded that the effects of galamsey are not an issue to laugh about because the practice is endangering us, our food security, and the next generation.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
