Ing. Dedey argued that the government, with its current parliamentary majority, is well positioned to introduce and pass legislation to strengthen environmental protection and address the destruction caused by galamsey.

“You set up a whole Gold Board within four to five months. Why can’t you repeal the law? Again, the NDC has no excuse because they have a huge majority in Parliament, and there’s no way the ruling government can say they couldn’t pass legislation because of the opposition. It smacks of a lack of commitment to the fight against galamsey,” Ing. Dedey stated.

Reacting to President John Dramani Mahama’s recent engagement with Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) on illegal mining, Ing. Dedey expressed concern over the President’s remarks suggesting that a decision to declare a state of emergency on galamsey would depend on advice from the National Security Council.

“When they were in opposition, we had a lot of them saying the President has all the powers to end illegal mining, and now the President comes and he is saying he is waiting for the Security Council to advise him when he is chair of the council.

“Again, what does the President mean by he is hoping the Finance Minister makes available the necessary funds to fight galamsey? I wonder because the Finance Minister presents the budget in the name of the President. So how can the President say that?” he questioned.

Ing. Dedey further called on the government to show greater urgency, coordination, and political will in the ongoing fight against illegal mining.