Member of Parliament for Weija-Gbawe, Jerry Ahmed Shaib
The Member of Parliament for Weija-Gbawe, Jerry Ahmed Shaib, has called for a unified national approach to combat illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey, stressing that excessive politicization has hindered meaningful solutions.
Speaking on the issue in Parliament, he expressed concern over how political figures and parties continue to blame each other instead of focusing on effective strategies to curb the menace.
According to the lawmaker, the emphasis should not be on which political party is responsible but rather on implementing sustainable measures to mitigate its devastating effects.
Shaib highlighted the alarming rate at which Ghana’s water bodies are being contaminated due to illegal mining activities, warning that the situation poses a severe threat to public health and access to clean water.
“The time for blame games is over. We need a national consensus to deal with galamsey. This is not a problem for just one party or one leader; it affects every Ghanaian, and we all have a role to play,” he stated.
The MP also urged legislators and the judiciary to support the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources in enforcing laws against illegal mining.
He argued that without strong institutional backing, the fight against galamsey would remain ineffective.
“We must strengthen the legal framework and ensure that enforcement agencies have the power and resources to act decisively. Lawmakers and judges must work together to make sure that offenders are held accountable,” he urged.
Shaib also called for unwavering political will from all parliamentary candidates, emphasizing that tackling galamsey should not be left solely to President John Dramani Mahama.
He insisted that political figures across the spectrum must commit to addressing the issue, as its impact goes beyond party lines.
“It is not enough for only John Mahama to show commitment in fighting galamsey. Every politician, every leader, and every candidate aspiring to hold office must demonstrate the will to combat this problem. We need a bipartisan approach, not just promises from one side,” he emphasized.
He further linked the fight against galamsey to broader socio-economic issues, including youth unemployment and public health concerns.
Shaib argued that if galamsey were properly addressed, the government could redirect efforts toward creating sustainable jobs for the youth, reducing their dependence on illegal mining for livelihood.
Additionally, he pointed out that illegal mining has led to severe health complications, as people in mining communities are exposed to toxic chemicals such as mercury and cyanide, which pollute the soil and water.
“When we curb galamsey, we are not just protecting the environment; we are solving critical problems like unemployment and health crises. The youth need better alternatives, and that starts with real investment in job creation and skills training,” he said.
Jerry Ahmed Shaib’s stance on galamsey underscores the urgent need for a unified, depoliticized approach to addressing the crisis.
His call for strong legislative and judicial backing, the empowerment of relevant ministries, and collective political will highlights the comprehensive strategy required to eradicate illegal mining in Ghana.
As the country grapples with the devastating effects of galamsey, it is evident that only a concerted effort by all stakeholders will lead to sustainable solutions that protect Ghana’s environment, water bodies, and communities while ensuring responsible mining practices for economic growth.