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Independent Parliamentary Candidate for the Amasaman Constituency, Bishop Samuel K. Denoo, has stated that while the call for a ban on illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey, is not entirely justifiable, there is an urgent need for stricter regulation of the practice.
Addressing the media after a political rally dubbed a “rapture walk” at Mahean Presby Park on October 5, 2024, he expressed his concerns regarding the implications of a total ban on illegal mining.
Bishop Denoo articulated that many individuals rely on illegal mining as a source of livelihood.
“The calls for a ban will not help the country, as people are also working through these means to feed their families,” he explained.
He emphasized that while he supports efforts to combat illegal mining due to its detrimental effects on water quality, there must be some policies put in place to strengthen its implementations in the right way.
“We must fight against galamsey because our parents are not drinking good water due to its effects,” he stated.
He believes that outright prohibition is not the solution. Instead, he advocates for the government to implement stricter strategies to regulate illegal mining activities.
“This issue needs urgent regulation,” he added, highlighting the importance of balancing economic needs with environmental protection.
During his address, Bishop Denoo also touched upon the recent arrests of protesters associated with Democracy Hub, noting that while every citizen has the right to demonstrate, it is essential to do so responsibly.
According to him, one cannot go overboard in the name of demonstration because in Ghana, there is a rule of law which states that no one is above the law.
“Frankly speaking, the country is run, pivoted and piloted on law so there is a rule of law; no one is above the law,” he asserted.
He urged demonstrators to pursue peaceful negotiations rather than resorting to violence, emphasizing that resorting to violence would only worsen the situation for those arrested.
“You are right but when you go overboard, the law will deal with you. So, I feel that we have to write to the necessary quarters that we plead that our brothers are there, and we demand their release because they did that out of certain reasons,” he advised.
“If we still use violent means, authorities are also going to strengthen the case,” he warned.
He called on Ghanaians to exercise their rights peacefully and respect the rights of others during demonstrations.
