The Minority on Parliament’s Select Committee on Lands and Natural Resources has welcomed the Presbyterian Church of Ghana’s decision to launch a nationwide anti-galamsey campaign.

In a statement, the Minority commended the Church for joining calls for urgent action against illegal mining and described the planned “Red Sunday” campaign as a sign of growing national concern over the destruction of the environment and water bodies.

The Minority noted that the current government came into office with a commitment to tackle illegal mining under its Reset Agenda but argued that the problem continues to persist.

According to the statement, the fight against galamsey should not be treated as a partisan issue but rather as a national governance and enforcement challenge that requires a united response.

The Minority also stated that illegal mining activities have at times been supported or protected by politically exposed persons and other influential individuals, highlighting the need for stronger institutions and stricter enforcement mechanisms.

The group called on faith-based organisations, civil society groups, traditional leaders, the media and the general public to support efforts to combat illegal mining.

The statement further stressed the need for a sustainable institutional framework to address galamsey, rather than relying on successive anti-illegal mining operations introduced by different governments.

The Minority proposed that the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) be formalised through the necessary Legislative Instruments to define its mandate, powers, structure and accountability mechanisms.

According to the statement, giving NAIMOS a legal framework would help ensure continuity, strengthen enforcement efforts and reduce political interference in the fight against illegal mining.

The statement was signed by Kwaku Ampratwum-Sarpong, Member of Parliament for Mampong and Ranking Member of Parliament’s Committee on Lands and Natural Resources.