The Minority in Parliament has raised alarm over the rising human cost of illegal mining, disclosing that at least 17 people died between January and July 2025 due to galamsey-related incidents.
Deputy Ranking Member on the Lands and Natural Resources Committee, Akwasi Konadu, delivering a statement in Parliament on Wednesday, described the situation as a national tragedy and accused government of showing “little political will” to confront the menace.
He said the deaths, recorded across several mining communities, reflect the consequences of weak law enforcement and poor regulation of small-scale mining operations.
“Mr. Speaker, how many lives must be lost before an urgent, decisive action is taken? The prevalence of death and environmental collapse is a direct consequence of ineffective law enforcement, the lack of political will, and, in some instances, the complicity of some state actors and traditional authorities,” he added.
Mr. Konadu called for tougher crackdowns on illegal miners and stronger prosecution of complicit officials.
The Minority further called on the Lands and Natural Resources Ministry to collaborate with law enforcement agencies and traditional authorities to restore order, protect lives, and safeguard the environment from further destruction.
