Ebenezer Okletey Terlabi, the Chairman of Parliament’s Select Committee on Environment, Science, and Technology, has expressed deep concerns over the government’s inaction on illegal mining, commonly referred to as galamsey. In an interview ,Terlabi revealed his plans to address this critical issue on the floor of Parliament on October 15, stressing that the government’s deafening silence on the menace is alarming.
As the Member of Parliament for Lower Manya Krobo, Terlabi emphasized that the government’s failure to tackle galamsey is troubling, particularly given the widespread condemnation of the practice across the country. He questioned the government’s priorities, suggesting that their primary focus is on winning the upcoming election rather than resolving the pressing issue of illegal mining.
“The whole country is in arms against illegal mining, and this government is stone silent,” Terlabi noted. “Their consideration is only to win the election, and I think that is not good.” This stark criticism underscores the growing frustration among Ghanaians regarding the government’s inaction on galamsey.
Furthermore, Terlabi lamented the numerous delays in passing the Environmental Protection Bill in Parliament.
The bill aims to grant the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) the necessary authority and policing power to regulate institutions related to the environment. However, Terlabi revealed that ministers and presidential appointees have consistently hindered efforts to pass the bill.
“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,” Terlabi stated. “We have had challenges where ministers from various ministries have tried to stifle our efforts to bring that bill into being.” These revelations raise concerns about potential underlying motivations behind the government’s reluctance to pass the bill.
The upcoming 5th meeting of Parliament’s 4th session, scheduled to commence on October 15, 2024, at the Accra International Conference Centre, provides a critical opportunity for Terlabi to raise these pressing concerns.
As Chairman of the Select Committee on Environment, Science, and Technology, his voice carries significant weight, and his determination to hold the government accountable for its inaction on galamsey is likely to resonate with many Ghanaians.
Terlabi’s resolve to bring the issue to the floor of Parliament demonstrates his commitment to environmental protection and his constituents’ concerns.
His call for action serves as a reminder to the government that the fight against galamsey requires urgent attention and collective effort.
As Parliament reconvenes, the nation will be watching closely to see how the government responds to Terlabi’s concerns and the growing demands for action on galamsey.
The outcome of this debate will have significant implications for Ghana’s environmental future and the government’s accountability to its citizens.
