MPs call for urgent state intervention in illegal mining and election-related violence
Minority MPs petition President over illegal mining and violent elections
On July 24, 2025, Minority Chief Whip Frank Annoh-Dompreh led a group of NPP opposition MPs to the Jubilee House. Their mission was bold: deliver a petition to the President demanding urgent action on galamsey and election violence.
They were welcomed by the Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, and Deputy Chief of Staff Stan Dogbe, who accepted the petition on behalf of the Presidency.
“We’re here to speak for the people. Their voices must be heard at the highest level,” said Michael Okyere Baafi, MP for New Juaben South.
Petition pushes for a national state of emergency in mining zones
The petition, although not fully disclosed, reportedly calls for the declaration of a National State of Emergency in galamsey hotspots. The MPs invoked Article 31 of the Constitution, insisting that the environmental destruction cannot be ignored.
They urged the government to repeal L.I. 2462, a legislative instrument they claim has shielded illegal miners instead of regulating mining activities.
The petitioners also demanded the prosecution of officials complicit in galamsey, stressing that no political figure should be above the law.
Call for independent oversight and stronger enforcement powers
The Minority proposed the formation of an independent, multi-stakeholder commission. This commission would include civil society, traditional rulers, religious leaders, and academics to help restore credibility in the fight against galamsey.
They also called for stronger legal and operational powers for key state institutions like the Forestry Commission and the Water Resources Commission.
“Without urgent structural reforms, our forests will vanish, and our rivers will remain poisoned,” one MP warned.
Long-term solutions and shared commitment to recovery
The petition goes further. It urges the government to launch a National Environmental Recovery Programme. This would include:
- Large-scale afforestation
- River restoration projects
- Public education campaigns on sustainable practices
Despite the serious tone, the meeting ended on a cordial note. MPs and officials exchanged laughs and handshakes, showing a rare moment of unity in pursuit of national interest.
Take-home message
Ghana’s Minority MPs are turning up the heat on government to address two major threats: electoral violence and environmental destruction. Their petition demands immediate, bold, and bipartisan action. Will the Presidency respond decisively? The nation waits.
