The Speaker of Ghana’s parliament, Rt Hon Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin has hinted of his resolve to lead a campaign that could result in sitting Members of Parliament who are involved in illegal mining poplarly known as galamsey loosing their seats.
…”That is why I made the statement that if you have evidence of any member indulging in galmsey, draw my attention. I would put a motion, a process where you would loose your membership as a Member of Parliament. Please bring the information to my notice, we’ll take action, yes that is how we can fight galamsey, because if are the people behind this poor pwole who are saying all die be die, they know when they are in the pit, the pit can collapse and they would die, but they have no alternative. When they come out of the pit, do you look at them like human beings? they are just tools you are using so we would start it from here and I mean what I say”, Mr Bagbin stated.
Delivering a communication on the floor of the House last Thursday 30, Juanuary, 2025, the speaker stated the country’s legal framework supports his resolve and cautioned lawmakers to be guided accordingly as he reitrated his commitment to act for the removal of any MP engaged in illegal mining unless the information never got his notice.
“I mean what am saying, am not joking, unless you hide the information from me but if I get to get any credible information on any of you on this matter, am going to initiate the process and you can lose your seat as a Member of Parliament, the law is there to enable us do that, please, a word to the wise is enough” Speaker Bagbin reiterated.
Mr Bagbin urged all MPs to get a copy of the Code of Conduct for lawmakers as they go about their legislative and oversight duties.
By: Christian Kpesese
