NDC gov't will punish party executives involved in galamsey – Ayariga 

The Majority Leader, Mr Mahama Ayariga, has assured that any political party executive found to be engaging in illegal mining activities, popularly known as galamsey, will be dealt with decisively without fear or favour.

Speaking on the floor of Parliament on Friday, Mr. Ayariga, also the Member of Parliament for Bawku Central, emphasised that the Mahama-led government remained committed to tackling the menace of galamsey.

He contrasted this with previous administrations, where reports submitted by ministers implicating party figures in illegal mining were left unaddressed.

Mr. Ayariga urged individuals with credible evidence of party executives' involvement in galamsey to come forward and provide such information to the appropriate authorities.

The Bawku Central legislator said the Lands Minister or his deputy would be coming to the plenary frequently to brief members on handling of the galamsey menace if necessary.

His remarks followed a request from Frank Annor-Dompreh, Minority Chief Whip and MP for Nsawam Adoagyiri, that the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources or his deputy to appear before the House to update members on government's handling of the galamsey challenge.

Mr. Ayariga announced that the government had issued a directive requiring persons seeking to import excavators into the country to obtain prior authorisation from the Ministry of Transport before bringing in such equipment.

The assurance, he noted, underscored the government's determination to clamp down on illegal mining and safeguard the nation's natural resources.

GNA