The Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, has called for punitive action against public officials and political office holders found to be involved in illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, stressing that decisive punishment is necessary to deter the practice.
Speaking during an interview on Channel One TV’s The Point of View with Bernard Avle on Wednesday, December 24, Mr. Iddrisu said the courts must act firmly against any public official linked to the menace.
“We need punitive action. I think that public officials or political office holders associated with the menace of galamsey must be punished decisively. If the courts get the opportunity to get any public office holder engaged in galamsey, they should deal ruthlessly with that person so that it becomes a deterrent,” he stated.
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The Education Minister noted that recent enforcement efforts have yielded results, pointing to an increase in the number of excavators seized and individuals arrested.
According to him, the figures recorded so far surpass those seen during the New Patriotic Party (NPP) administration, suggesting a stronger approach to combating illegal mining under the current government.
“The number of excavators seized is significant, many persons arrested as compared to the NPP era,” he said.
Mr. Iddrisu maintained that firm enforcement of the law, coupled with decisive judicial action, is essential to winning the fight against galamsey and safeguarding the country’s environment and natural resources.
CNR