Member of Parliament for Akyem Oda, Alexander Akwasi Acquah, has raised concerns over the increasing galamsey activities in his constituency, saying the situation is far worse now compared to when the NPP was in government.
Speaking during a galamsey dialogue at the Akyem Oda lorry station when the Adom FM morning show Dwaso Nsem team visited, he stressed the need for strict enforcement against illegal mining.
He said, “During the NPP’s time, there was no galamsey in Oda like we are seeing now. Anybody caught doing galamsey should be prosecuted—not just fined or asked to do reclamation.”
Mr. Acquah noted that although efforts are being made to reclaim lands, some residents have reportedly blocked these exercises. “Even when reclamation exercises were about to start, some people refused to allow it,” he said.
He added that the recent attention on the issue has helped reduce galamsey in his constituency. “If galamsey is going down now, it is because of the attention I have brought to the situation. I am proud that I called it out,” he said.
According to the MP, other districts engage more in galamsey than Akyem Oda because of the vigilance and reporting in his area. He recalled, “I remember one person who was arrested for galamsey and has now obtained a license to operate legally.”
On the role of government and politics, he stressed, “I am not against mining. We need not politicize galamsey. Let’s call it as it is. There is a government in place, and it promised to deal with these issues.”
Mr. Acquah also expressed concern about the impact of galamsey on the local water supply. “The operators of the dam that supplies water to Akyem Oda and beyond have reported that galamsey is affecting the water. As an MP, I could not keep mute. People should be careful; galamsey is worse now.”
He further disclosed the presence of some youth in town who, he says, are focused on illegal mining.
“Some youth are here, and they are all here to do galamsey. We must be vigilant and ensure government programs are not disrupted.”
The MP concluded by noting the difference between his term and the current administration. “During my time, there was essentially no galamsey in Akyem Oda. Now, under the current NDC government, the problem has worsened,” he said.
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