The Second Deputy Minority Whip and Member of Parliament for Weija-Gbawe, Jerry Ahmed Shaib, has criticised the government’s handling of Ghana’s precious minerals sector, accusing authorities of focusing on institutional rebranding while failing to confront the growing challenge of illegal mining.

Contributing to the debate on the 2026 State of the Nation Address in Parliament, the lawmaker argued that the restructuring of the Precious Minerals Marketing Company into the proposed GoldBod does little to address the root causes of illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.

He maintained that the problem continues to worsen despite government interventions.

Mr Shaib warned that the environmental damage caused by illegal mining has reached alarming levels, pointing to extensive deforestation and land degradation in many parts of the country.

“Everywhere you pass, there is galamsey. Galamsey has become a problem to the extent that if we don’t take care, you will not be found alive in the next 20 years,” he cautioned.

The MP further accused the government of misplaced priorities, suggesting that more attention is being paid to rebranding institutions rather than addressing the environmental and economic consequences of illegal mining.

He also raised concerns over the management of Ghana’s gold reserves, citing reports that about 18 tonnes of gold valued at roughly $2.22 billion had been sold, with plans to repurchase similar reserves at a higher value estimated at about $3.4 billion.

Mr Shaib questioned the financial prudence of such transactions and called for greater transparency in the management of the country’s mineral wealth.

He urged the government to treat illegal mining as a national security threat and take decisive measures to safeguard Ghana’s forests, water bodies and other natural resources from further destruction.