By Jeremiah Nutsugah
Dr. Nyaho Nyaho Tamakloe, a founding member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has called for a total ban on illegal small scale mining in Ghana.
Speaking on TV3’s “Ghana Tonight” on September 9, 2024, he emphasised the need to prioritise partisanship and defend the constitution.
“Mining must be banned entirely. If we allow them to continue, they’ll just destroy the country totally,” he said.
Dr. Tamakloe expressed concern over the greed and desire for wealth among some members of his party, stating, “What I see now is a strong desire for money and possession, which I don’t understand.”
He criticised President Akufo-Addo for not taking sufficient action against illegal small scall mining, also known as galamsey.
This came as a result when the President of the Ghana Bar Association (GBA), Yaw Acheampong Boafo, called on the government to intensify its fight against galamsey by targeting influential individuals behind the illegal mining activities also known as galamsey.
Dr. Tamakloe believes the military can effectively stop galamsey if given the necessary directives. “The moment the commander-in-chief gives the order, the military will take action and solve the problem. I assure you, within a week, they can stop it entirely,” he said.
He proposed an “Operation Save the Environment/Save Ghana” led by the military to combat illegal mining and protect the country’s natural resources.
Dr. Tamakloe’s comments highlight the need for urgent action to address the environmental and social impacts of galamsey in Ghana.
