The Minority in Parliament has accused the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government of legitimising illegal small-scale mining, which they referred to as galamsey, through the establishment of GoldBod, a new entity intended to regulate and purchase gold from small-scale miners.
Addressing a press briefing in Parliament on Friday, March 28, Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin criticised the initiative, describing it as a “Galamsey Board” rather than a regulatory body.
“We’re all aware of the challenges we face as a nation, specifically on galamsey, I believe that galamsey became a major issue during the elections.
“Our friends who are now in government made some promises to the nation. Today, they are the apostles who are promoting galamsey. They are using their numbers to now establish what has become known as a Galamsey Board,” he stated.
Mr Afenyo-Markin argued that instead of prioritising investments in agriculture, women’s banking, and the much-publicised 24-hour economy policy, the government is diverting GH¢4.6 billion to small-scale miners, whom he described as galamsey operators.
“If you bring an enactment and you say your focus is on small-scale mining – all os us in this country know that small-scale mining is galamsey. So the question is – is this government really ready to fight galamsey?” he questioned.
The Minority Leader further expressed concerns that the government, through GoldBod, is monopolising gold purchases from small-scale miners while simultaneously providing them with financial support, which he believes contradicts the fight against illegal mining.
He reaffirmed the Minority’s commitment to holding the government accountable, stressing that they would not engage in mere opposition but would ensure that the NDC-led administration delivers on its promises.
“We told you something that with time, the true colours of this NDC will be known. I think today, we have all seen them.
“Let us assure you – we, the mighty minority, we are assuring you that we will continue to be constructive in our criticism, we will not criticise for the sake of criticising, but we will hold their (NDC/Majority) feet to the fire,” he added.