A leading member of the Convention People’s Party (CPP), Kwame Jantuah, has proposed a measure to tackle the menace of illegal mining, aka galamsey, which continues to deplete Ghana’s natural resources.

Speaking on Prime Morning’s News Flash segment while reacting to an Info Analytics survey on government performance, he argued that a new legal framework should be considered to discipline individuals caught engaging in galamsey.

“I have a suggestion, and it will need extra financing. It will require Parliament’s involvement and, if possible, the Judiciary,” the lawyer stated.

“Those who are mining illegally, if we can pass a law to cover it, should not be taken to jail or court. Instead, they should be sent straight into the army. That will instil discipline.”

Mr Jantuah stressed that illegal mining is causing massive destruction to Ghana’s environment and eroding revenue streams critical to national development.

According to him, channelling offenders into military service could serve as both a deterrent and a means of reform.

“Galamsey is killing our natural resources; it is killing the revenue streams of the country. If we can make use of those individuals and discipline them through the army, would that not be better?” he questioned.

The CPP stalwart further highlighted the need to go after the financiers of galamsey operations, noting that until the financial backbone of the practice is dismantled, illegal mining will remain difficult to stop.

“The most important thing is the financiers. If we can cut off the link to financing galamsey, it can stop. But the question is, are we ready to do it?” he asked.

Mr Jantuah’s remarks add to the ongoing national debate over the effectiveness of government’s anti-galamsey strategies, with critics calling for tougher and more innovative measures to protect the country’s lands and water bodies