MP for Tamale North, Mr Alhassan Suhuyini, has called on the government to account for the $360 million allocated to the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Illegal Mining as he raised concerns over the lack of mention of Galamsey in the 2024 Budget. In a compelling statement delivered during a press conference in Parliament, the MP brought to the attention of the House the critical issues plaguing the nation's land, forestry, and mining sectors. He began by blowing the alarm over the absence of any mention of the persistent Galamsey issue in the recent budget statement. He emphasized the significance of Galamsey as a critical concern that warranted attention, given the substantial resources invested in combating this environmental and social menace. “When you look at the budget statement, the 39 or 40 pages that the Minister of Finance presented, not even one word was said about Galamsey. You will not find the word Galamsey in that presentation. This was an act that the President put his presidency on the line to overcome.” Highlighting the financial toll, he pointed out that the Inter-Ministerial Committee allocated $30 million every quarter for three years, and the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources spent millions on national dialogues and interactions related to Galamsey. Suhuyini called for accountability regarding the utilization of these funds and questioned the lack of substantial benefits from the investments made. Addressing the proposed allocation of $100 million from the Mineral Income Investment Fund to small-scale miners, the MP raised concerns. He questioned the rationale behind providing additional funds to miners who have already initiated operations, particularly when the sector has been marred by environmental degradation. MP Suhuyini voiced skepticism over the Ministry's commitment to regulating the mining sector, particularly in light of Executive Instrument 1.4, which declassified the Achimota forest reserve. He urged the President to reverse this decision if genuine commitment to environmental conservation is to be demonstrated. “If you look at the Mining and Minerals Act, Act 703, Section 25, it says that a holder of a mining lease, restricted mining lease or small-scale mining licence shall pay a royalty that may be prescribed in respect of minerals obtained from its mining operations to the Republic, except that the rate of royalty shall not be more than 6% or less than 3% of the total revenue of minerals obtained by the holder. So is the minister repealing Act 703 when he tells us that they have negotiated 10% royalties?” Turning attention to the discovery of lithium in the Tano Nimiri Forest, Suhuyini accused the government of overlooking environmental concerns and rushing into negotiations. He highlighted discrepancies in reported royalty rates, citing Section 25 of the Mining and Minerals Act, Act 703, which limits royalty rates to a maximum of 6%. Mr Suhuyini suggested that, the Ministry's primary interest lies in deal-making rather than addressing the critical issues in the land, forestry, and mining sectors. He called for a re-evaluation of the government's approach to environmental conservation and resource management. “I am not surprised however, because the interest of the ministry is not actually to fix things in the land, forestry or mining sector. It is to engage in deal-making.” He added. Mr Suhuyini called for transparency, accountability, and a renewed commitment to addressing environmental challenges and promoting sustainable practices in Ghana's crucial sectors.