The campaign against illicit small-scale mining, often known as galamsey, has allegedly stalled because of the entrenched interests of authorities who should be monitoring and regulating it, according to Kennedy Agyapong, a flagbearer prospective for the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
He brought up the fact that certain ministers have participated in galamsey operations, which has prevented development in certain areas, most notably the Western region where gold is extracted.
Speaking in an interview on Sky FM, monitored by 1Family Radio, he pledged that, given the chance, he would make efforts to guarantee that mining profits go via the right mediums and support the growth of the area.
“What shows that we mine gold in the Western region? With bad roads, no development, and nothing to show. For me, if I am given the opportunity, I am going to regulate mining to make sure that the money passes through the right channel,’’ he noted.
“We get oil from maize and flour, but what are we doing as a country? Upon all these, we have people claiming to be ministers in the country, but all they do is galamsey when they assume office,’’ he alleged.
Ken Agyapong threatened disruption if he released proof he possessed of ministers and specific individuals involved in galamsey operations.
“I didn’t come here because of galamsey issues, but if you want evidence, I will be able to provide an abundance for you. If I am to provide evidence, everyone will hide in their rooms,’’ he added.
Source: 1Familyradio