Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin has voiced his support for the growing public demand for a ban on illegal mining activities in Ghana.

In a Facebook post, Bagbin expressed his concerns over the severe damage being done to water bodies and the environment, even by those legally licensed to carry out mining operations. He shared an old photograph of himself alongside President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and other prominent figures, stressing that their shared vision to develop the country must outweigh unpatriotic actions and selfish interests.

“We began with good intentions to help build this nation. We cannot become the ones to destroy it by clinging to power while licensed miners devastate our environment. At the same time, silencing voices that speak out against this destruction is unacceptable. Ghana deserves better!” Bagbin wrote.

The Speaker also condemned the arrests and suppression of anti-galamsey (illegal mining) activists who have been speaking out against the ongoing environmental harm.

In recent weeks, protests against illegal mining have intensified, with Organised Labour and other prominent groups threatening to strike unless the government declares a state of emergency in mining areas.