The President of the Western North branch of the Ghana Association of Assembly Members (GAAM) and Assembly Member for the Asawinso ‘A’ electoral area, Frank Nelson Ackah, has expressed concerns about the impact of halting illegal mining activities, known locally as galamsey, in the country.
Frank Nelson Ackah advocates for the regularisation of galamsey instead of a complete shutdown, warning of severe socio-economic consequences if these activities are abruptly terminated.
The assembly member’s comments come amid ongoing debates about the environmental and social impacts of galamsey in Ghana.
Speaking on Okyeame Fm, Frank Nelson Ackah fears that without the livelihood provided by galamsey, residents might resort to desperate measures to survive.
“If galamsey stops for only a month in my electoral area, people will even steal soup from kitchens,” Frank Nelson Ackah cautioned.
Frank Nelson Ackah argues that instead of banning galamsey, the government should implement regulations that protect forest reserves, lands, and water bodies while allowing controlled mining activities.
“Let’s put measures that will protect the destruction of forest reserves, lands, and water bodies and allow people to involve in it. By so doing, it will encourage them to refrain from indulging in robbery all in the name of unemployment,” he suggested.
