MP to file ‘galamsey’ motion

The Member of Parliament (MP) for Effutu, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, is expected to file an urgent motion in parliament calling for action on the negative activities of illegal mining (galamsey) operations in the country, which are affecting water bodies.

There is water shortage in parts of the country. Residents in Winneba, Tamale, Sekondi, Ningo and Nsawam have been without water for the past two weeks due to the drying up of the main sources of supply for the Ghana Water Company.

The Effutu legislator says he believes putting an end to galamsey operations in and around water bodies would save the country from hitting a crisis point.

Speaking to Class News, he said: “I think it will help the House if there is a motion on the floor, where members will get the opportunity to make contributions because this matter is not only limited to Winneba, various constituencies are suffering same.

“There is water shortage all over the place, people are not getting water and I think that looking at the spiral effect of this, it is important to come out with an urgent motion where we would get the opportunity to explore the various effects so that at least government will get a sense of the house.

“The motion seeks to call on the Ministry of Works and Housing and the government in general to come out with a policy aimed at ending galamsey operations in and around water bodies to save our country from coming to a point of having water crisis,” he said.

Meanwhile, officials of the Ghana Water Company have been summoned by parliament’s Works and Housing Committee to appear on Thursday February 18 with their plans on how they intend to address the acute water shortages across the country.