The Member of Parliament for Prestea Huni Valley in the Eastern Region, Francis Adu Blay Koffie has urged government to legalize galamsey operations in the country.
He says if galamsey operators are registered and licensed, government will be able collect taxes from them through which the operators will also be helping develop their respective communities.
Mr Koffie who was speaking with ASEMPA NEWS explained that, the country will find it difficult to halt galamsey operations therefore it is only appropriate that they are given recognition.
Using his constituency as an example, Hon. Blay Koffie enumerated renovation of bathrooms of the Preastea Government Hospital and provision of street lighting bulbs for Bogoso as part of developmental efforts by galamsey operators in the area.
The MP said government should endeavor to give some concessions of land to the galamsey operators so that they do not trespass into large mining concessions.
In a related development, Mr Koffie has shared his achievements in his two and half years in office with Asempa News saying he has made it his priority to improve roads, education, health and also lobby for more towns in the constituency to be connected to the national grid.
In the area of education, the Prestea MP says he has used funds from his share of the Common Fund to purchase bicycles for seven teachers in remote areas. He says he has also provided free school uniforms and books for pupils to enhance education. He said he has plans to reward teachers especially the best teachers and those who have been in service for a long time.
Mr Koffie further told Asempa News that, he has initiated measures to provide a modernized mortuary for Preastea since the one in use now is in a deplorable state.
Already the Prestea Government Hospital which was in a bad state has seen renovation especially the OPD, the Doctors’ consulting rooms and bathrooms.
Hon Blay Koffie gave the assurance that the Bogoso-Prestea and Prestea town roads will be tackled before the year ends adding the Prestea-Nnipa Hia Mmoa, Atweneboanda-Wassa Nkran, Prestea-Broni, Nkwanta-Afuke among other roads have been graded to give them a facelift.
He also disclosed that at least 64 communities in the constituency will be connected to the national grid between now and next year.
Story: Yaa Asantewaa/Asempa FM/Ghana
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