Haruna Iddrisu calls for punitive action against public officials involved in galamsey

The Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, has urged the imposition of strict sanctions on public servants and political office holders implicated in illegal mining activities, commonly referred to as galamsey, arguing that strong punishment is key to curbing the practice.

In an interview on Channel One TV’s The Point of View on Wednesday, December 24, Mr. Iddrisu emphasised the need for the judiciary to take a firm stance against any public official found complicit in the illegal activity.

“We need punitive action. I think that any public officer or political office holder associated with the menace of galamsey must be punished decisively. If the courts get the opportunity to get any public office holder engaged in galamsey, they should deal ruthlessly with that person so that it becomes a deterrent,” he stated.

The Education Minister also highlighted progress made through recent enforcement measures, noting a rise in the number of excavators confiscated and suspects arrested.

He pointed out that the current figures exceed those recorded under the New Patriotic Party (NPP) administration, indicating a more aggressive approach to tackling illegal mining under the present government.

“The number of excavators seized is significant, a number of persons arrested as compared to the NPP era,” he said.