The Chairman of Parliament’s Select Committee on Environment, Science, and Technology, Ebenezer Okletey Terlabi, has hinted that he will be raising the issue of illegal mining on the floor of Parliament next Tuesday, October 15.
He contends that the government’s deafening silence on the menace, commonly called galamsey is a cause for concern.
Parliament is set to commence the 5th meeting of its 4th session on October 15, 2024, at the Dome of the Accra International Conference Centre.
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Speaking to Citi News, the Member of Parliament for Lower Manya Krobo stressed that the government’s failure to address the issue is troubling.
“When we get back, I have a couple of issues that I am going to raise on the floor of Parliament. It has to do with galamsey and the government’s reaction. I will make sure that whoever needs to respond will be brought to Parliament to come and respond to the reason why what we are seeing is going on.
“The whole country is in arms against illegal mining and this government is stoned silent. Their consideration is only to win the election and I think that is not good.”
Ebenezer Okletey Terlabi also lamented the numerous delays in passing the Environmental Protection Bill in Parliament.
“I am beginning to understand the reason why some of the ministers, some of the appointees of the president are refusing and will not allow us to pass the EPA bill which gives a certain authority and policing power to the EPA to control all the various institutions that have something to do with the environment.
“We have had challenges where ministers from various ministries have tried to stifle our effort to bring that bill into being.”
