Dr. Nyaho Nyaho Tamakloe, a founding member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has called for a complete ban on illegal small-scale mining in Ghana.
In an interview on TV3’s “Ghana Tonight” on September 9, 2024, he stressed the urgency of prioritizing constitutional integrity and partisan commitment. “Mining must be banned entirely. If we allow it to continue, it will devastate our country,” he warned.
Dr. Tamakloe also expressed concern about the growing greed and materialism among some party members, saying, “The current obsession with wealth and possessions is troubling and perplexing.”
He criticized President Akufo-Addo for not taking stronger action against illegal small-scale mining, commonly known as galamsey. This criticism followed a call from Yaw Acheampong Boafo, President of the Ghana Bar Association (GBA), for the government to intensify efforts against galamsey by targeting the influential figures behind these activities.
Dr. Tamakloe suggested that the military could effectively curb galamsey if properly directed. “If the commander-in-chief issues the order, the military could resolve the issue within a week,” he asserted.
He proposed launching an “Operation Save the Environment/Save Ghana,” led by the military, to tackle illegal mining and safeguard the nation’s natural resources.
His remarks underscore the pressing need for decisive action to address the environmental and social consequences of galamsey in Ghana.
