The Speaker of Parliament, Mr Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has condemned an alleged attack on an anti-galamsey taskforce in Asutifi South, reportedly instigated by a sitting Member of Parliament (MP).
He assured the Ghana Police Service and the public of Parliament’s full cooperation in ongoing investigations.
Addressing the House on Tuesday, Mr Bagbin described the incident as “deeply troubling” and reaffirmed Parliament’s commitment to upholding the rule of law.
He emphasised that no Member of Parliament would be exempt from legal scrutiny if found guilty of incitement or obstruction of justice, highlighting that parliamentary privileges do not place its members above the law.
“I have the cause to remind members about the need for comportment, and my intention is to ensure strict compliance with the 1992 Constitution and the Standing Orders of Parliament,” he said.
The Speaker directed the Office of the Clerk and the Legal Service Office of Parliament to provide all necessary assistance to the Police in handling the matter.
Mr Bagbin’s remarks followed reports that Mr Ebenezer Kwaku Addo, MP for Asutifi North, allegedly incited community members to confront the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) task force at Bronikrom near Hwidiem in the Ahafo Region.
The legislator has since denied the allegations and voluntarily presented himself to the Police to assist in investigations.
The attack, which occurred along the Goaso-Hwidiem road, is the latest in a series of violent confrontations between anti-galamsey teams and illegal miners in parts of the country.
Illegal small-scale mining, known locally as “galamsey,” continues to threaten Ghana’s environment, water bodies, and farmlands despite intensified government efforts to curb the practice.
Mr Bagbin’s firm response underscores Parliament’s support for the national fight against illegal mining and sends a clear signal that actions undermining law enforcement will not be condoned.
