The First Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Hon. Joseph Osei-Owusu, widely known as Joe Wise, has sparked heated debate with his firm stance on illegal mining in Ghana, commonly known as galamsey. His remarks have triggered significant discussions, particularly concerning the fate of those who pollute the country’s water bodies through such illicit activities.

During the interview, Osei-Owusu suggested that individuals involved in illegal mining should face the most severe penalties, even going as far as proposing lethal consequences. His strong language emphasized the seriousness of the damage illegal mining causes to Ghana’s environment and public health.

“These are the killers of our country,” he declared, pointing to the environmental devastation that galamsey brings, especially to the nation’s water resources. His comments have drawn both support and criticism as the country grapples with the ongoing challenges posed by illegal mining.

Osei-Owusu recounted his personal experience with miners who claimed to have licenses for their operations, but in many cases, these miners exceeded the boundaries of their legal rights, further contaminating water sources. “They say they have licenses, but they are mining in areas that are clearly not designated for such activities,” he noted, highlighting the disconnection between regulations and actual practices.

While his call for lethal penalties may seem extreme to some, Osei-Owusu’s stance reflects growing frustration within Ghana over the failure to curb illegal mining. Supporters argue that harsher measures could act as a strong deterrent to would-be illegal miners, who have caused extensive environmental harm. However, others caution that lethal consequences could lead to human rights violations and raise ethical concerns.

The discussion on galamsey has shifted in recent years from regulatory concerns to issues of public health and environmental preservation. For Osei-Owusu, the solution requires more than just tighter regulations—it demands decisive action to protect the country’s natural resources and the communities that depend on them.