Ebenezer Okletey Terlabi, Chairman of Parliament’s Select Committee on Environment, Science, and Technology, has indicated his intention to raise the issue of illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey, during the parliamentary session next Tuesday, October 15.
Terlabi expressed concern over the government’s persistent silence on the galamsey menace, describing it as alarming.
Parliament is scheduled to begin the 5th meeting of its 4th session on October 15, 2024, at the Dome of the Accra International Conference Centre.
In an interview, the Member of Parliament for Lower Manya Krobo emphasized that the government’s lack of action on this issue is deeply troubling.
“When we return to Parliament, I have several issues I plan to raise, including the government’s response to the galamsey crisis,” Ebenezer Okletey Terlabi stated. “I will ensure that those responsible are summoned to Parliament to explain why this issue continues to persist.”
He criticized the government’s silence, noting, “The entire nation is up in arms against illegal mining, yet the government remains stone silent. Their only concern seems to be winning elections, which is unacceptable.”
Terlabi also expressed frustration over the repeated delays in passing the Environmental Protection Bill in Parliament.
“I am beginning to see why some ministers and presidential appointees are resisting the passage of the EPA Bill,” Ebenezer Okletey Terlabi remarked. “The bill grants significant authority and policing power to the EPA, enabling it to oversee institutions involved in environmental matters.
SOURCE: Obikyere Abigail Seyram
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