The Minority Caucus in Parliament is demanding that the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Kofi-Armah Buah, appear before the House to provide a comprehensive briefing on the government’s ongoing efforts to combat illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey.

The caucus argues that the galamsey menace has worsened significantly, causing extensive environmental degradation, polluting vital water bodies, and destroying farmlands nationwide. They warn that the contamination of crops could pose serious health risks to consumers.

Speaking on behalf of the Minority, Deputy Minority Whip Habib Iddrisu stressed the urgency of the situation and called for immediate parliamentary action.

“There is a need for us to schedule the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources to brief us on the galamsey fight,” Iddrisu stated. “Our water bodies are so polluted that farmlands are being destroyed, and some crops are no longer safe for consumption. The Minister must provide answers.”

Iddrisu also questioned the shifting roles of key actors in the government’s anti-galamsey operations, particularly the involvement of the Minerals Development Fund (MDF) Administrator in leading field enforcement.

“Previously, the Minerals Development Fund Administrator was spearheading the seizure of excavators. Now, it seems CEOs and administrators are the ones leading the fight, requiring task forces to conduct arrests. We need clarity on who is truly in charge of this fight,” he said.

The Minority’s demand follows growing public discontent over the government’s handling of illegal mining, which continues to ravage the country’s forests and waterways despite years of interventions.