Former Member of Parliament for Asante Akim North, Andy Appiah-Kubi, has called for a more aggressive and coordinated approach to tackling illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.

The legal practitioner warned that the menace poses an existential threat to Ghana’s environment and future.

Speaking on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem, Mr. Appiah-Kubi recounted his personal experience in combating galamsey during his tenure as MP, stressing that political will at the highest level is critical to ending the practice.

“When the NPP was in power, I spoke against our commitment to fight galamsey. Even in my constituency, I did not allow galamsey operations. All those who made an attempt were arrested and handed over to the police,” he said, crediting traditional leaders such as Nana Akuoko Sarpong for supporting his efforts.

He emphasised that fighting galamsey requires courage and unwavering commitment, even in the face of intimidation and interference.

“I never got afraid and stood my ground to stop the menace, even if it meant putting my life on the line. When Akufo-Addo declared he would put his presidency on the line, it was just words. True commitment must trickle down to those mandated to fight,” he argued.

Mr. Appiah-Kubi urged President John Mahama to empower the security agencies with full backing to crush illegal mining operations.

“If the President is committed, only one battalion can fight them. This is like a war situation; if the illegal miners want to threaten our survival, we must defeat them before they defeat us,” he stressed.

He further called for a dedicated military battalion to be deployed and given the authority to act decisively, with full protection from the presidency for those enforcing the law.

According to him, without strong leadership and full presidential backing, the efforts of security agencies and task forces will be undermined, giving galamsey operators the freedom to destroy the environment with impunity.