The Majority Leader, Mahama Ayariga, has firmly assured that members of Parliament (MPs) will not obstruct the work of law enforcement agencies in cracking down on galamsey.
Speaking on the floor of Parliament on Tuesday in response to a formal communique regarding the alleged attack on anti-galamsey operatives in Asutifi South, Mr Ayariga emphasised Parliament’s commitment to accountability and the rule of law.
The Majority Leader assured the public that MPs were ready to be held responsible for their actions and inactions, and would not seek protection from the Speaker of Parliament in matters involving legal scrutiny.
“We are not above the law,” Ayariga declared. “Parliamentarians must be subject to the same standards of accountability as any other citizen. We will not interfere with investigations or shield anyone from facing justice,” he added.
The Majority Leader’s remarks came amid growing public concern over the role of political figures in illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey, which has had devastating environmental and social consequences across Ghana.
The attack in Asutifi South, targeted the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) team of anti-galamsey enforcers.
The issue has re-ignited calls for stronger institutional support and political will to combat the menace.
Mr Ayariga’s statement signals a shift toward greater transparency and cooperation between the legislature and law enforcement agencies.
It also underscored Parliament’s recognition of the urgency in addressing galamsey-related violence and environmental degradation.
Illegal mining has long plagued Ghana’s natural resources, particularly in forest reserves and river basins. Despite multiple government interventions, enforcement efforts have often been met with resistance, sometimes violent, from local actors and alleged political affiliates.
The incident in Asutifi South is the latest in a series of confrontations that highlighted the risks faced by anti-galamsey task forces.
Civil society groups have called for bipartisan support to ensure that those responsible were brought to justice, regardless of their political status.
Mr Ayariga’s comments might pave the way for a more unified approach to tackling illegal mining, with Parliament playing a proactive role in supporting enforcement and legislative reforms.
As investigations into the Asutifi South attack continue, the public would be watching closely to see whether these words translate into meaningful action.
