The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has issued a stern warning to Members of Parliament (MPs) who are actively engaging in illegal mining activities known as 'galamsey'.

According to him, some MPs collaborate with individuals involved in the illegality for financial gain.

He made this statement during a two-day emergency sitting of Parliament, where MPs debated the ongoing galamsey crisis.

During the session, MPs emphasised the state’s failure to effectively address the issue, with arguments presented from both sides of the House.

In light of this, the Speaker urged MPs to refrain from participating in galamsey activities and stressed the need for Parliament to set a positive example in the fight against this illegal practice.

“Who are those participating in the galamsey? If we take a census, some of you will be there, and the people you are talking to are aware - it is not that they are unaware. They are aware that some of you are participating in it," he said.

Mr Bagbin continued; "So please, first, desist from doing it yourself. Don’t go to them for money for your campaigns. Don’t solicit their votes. Let them see your work. Truly, it is a disgrace that we’ve gone this far. Look at the water—horrible."