*2026 Budget Debate: Abena Osei Asare Rounds on Govt's Galamsey Fight, Cites Inadequate Funding*

The Member of Parliament for Atiwa East, Hon Abena Osei Asare, has expressed disappointment with the government's efforts to combat illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, in the country.

Speaking during a debate on the 2026 Budget Statement in Parliament, the Former Deputy Finance Minister emphasized that the devastation caused by galamsey has gone beyond economics and threatens the country's survival.

She questioned the allocation of funds to the Ministry of Lands and Forestry, noting that the ministry has been allocated 2.1 billion cedis, but expressed doubt whether this amount is sufficient to effectively combat galamsey.

Hon Osei Asare also linked the fight against galamsey to the issue of joblessness, stating that the youth were promised jobs, but the budget's job creation efforts seem inadequate.

"The theme of the budget says growth, jobs, and economic transformation, but the numbers here are not telling that story," she said.

The MP urged the government to do more to address the issue of galamsey and create jobs for the youth,

emphasizing that the country's survival depends on it.

Report by PKB