‘Is galamsey my ministry’s responsibility?’ - Sam George blasts critics

Minister of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, has pushed back against individuals linking him to the fight against illegal mining (galamsey), insisting that the responsibility does not fall under his ministry.

Speaking in a recent interview with Oyerepa FM, he questioned why he should be held accountable for the fight against illegal mining when his ministry does not oversee the sector.

Galamsey in Ghana: How it began, what it has become, and why education must lead the way

“If people today, want to quote Sam George responsible for galamsey. Is there a ministry that oversees [galamsey]? Is that ministry's name Ministry of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation?

George, however, maintained that his position on illegal mining had not changed, insisting that anyone involved in the practice must face the full rigours of the law, irrespective of their political affiliation.

“I don't care which person is involved in galamsey. Whether your NPP knew, or your NDC knew, that person is committing a murderous crime,” he said.

He further noted that the government had a responsibility to ensure that those involved in illegal mining were held accountable.

“And that person, in my opinion, needs to face the full rigours of the law, irrespective of their political party,” he stated.

George reiterated that his position remained unchanged, stressing that the fight against galamsey should not be influenced by political affiliations.

While in opposition, George was a vocal critic of the Akufo-Addo administration's handling of illegal mining.

He accused the then-President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, of failing to take decisive action against the menace and alleged that government appointees and individuals linked to the New Patriotic Party (NPP) were involved in illegal mining.

He also questioned the lack of restrictions on excavator imports and described the galamsey fight as a failure, blaming the previous administration for the deterioration of Ghana's water bodies.

See the video below:

'Is my ministry in charge of galamsey?'-Communications, Digital Technology and Innovations Minister Sam Nartey George has challenged critics seeking to hold him responsible for illegal mining, questioning whether the practice falls under the mandate of his ministry.

VC: OyerepaTV https://t.co/tE0lpcUGON

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