Former Lands Minister, Samuel Abu Jinapor, has lifted the veil on individuals involved in illegal mining, also known as ‘galamsey.’
Mr. Jinapor opined that influential politicians cannot be excluded from discussions on illegal mining, which is causing destruction to forest reserves.
However, the former minister, who doubles as Member of Parliament (MP) for Damongo, challenged those who claim politicians are innocent of involvement in the act.
“Mr. Speaker, as we speak today, mining is happening in almost all the forest reserves in our country. The coalition against Galamsey led by the very respected Ken Ashigbe about how political kingpins, believing that their party has won power, and taking over the forest reserves of our country.
“Mr. Speaker, we can have this debate here, the majority and others can dispute it, but I have been a Minister of Lands before,” he said while speaking on the floor of Parliament on Tuesday, March 18, 2025.
His statement follows discussions on the laying of Legislative Instrument (L.I.) 2462, which seeks to repeal the President’s power to grant permission for mining in forest reserves.
The L.I. 2462, if passed, would strip the President of the authority to issue licenses for mining activities in forest reserves, a move aimed at curbing the menace.
The Damongo MP, in his statement, reminded that if citizens fail to be truthful about the impact of illegal mining, the future of Ghana’s forest reserves will be jeopardized.
“The only thing that can prevent the fight against galamsey is the lack of candour. If anybody stands here today and says that political kingpins have not taken over our forest reserves with mining, let’s say it and give ourselves six months, one year and two years and we’ll see where galamsey will be,” Mr. Jinapor said.
