Ghana is intensifying its efforts to combat illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey, following a renewed commitment from President John Dramani Mahama’s government. The President underscored this initiative during a Resetting Ghana Tour of the Upper East Region, reiterating his government’s dedication to safeguarding Ghana’s forests, water bodies, and other natural resources from the detrimental impacts of illegal mining operations.
According to President Mahama, the government’s intensified campaign is yielding tangible results, particularly in the reclamation of forest reserves that have been significantly encroached upon by illegal miners. He stated that the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) has been instrumental in these operations, demonstrating a clear trend of success. NAIMOS has undertaken a series of seizures, including the removal of excavators and changfang machines, effectively dismantling illegal mining operations in several forest reserves.
The President emphasized that after initial operations, reclaimed areas have been transferred to the Forestry Commission. However, he noted that illegal miners have subsequently returned, defying forest guard efforts, prompting the deployment of military personnel to deter them. He explained that the military deployment incurs additional costs, including the provision of food and logistical support for security personnel stationed within the forest reserves. ‘We will not give up the fight,’ the President asserted, acknowledging the financial challenges associated with maintaining security deployments in these areas.
Furthermore, the President acknowledged the significant financial burden of these deployments, stressing that the government will not permit illegal miners to re-establish their presence in areas that have been cleared. Illegal mining remains a major environmental concern in Ghana, with ongoing concerns regarding forest destruction, water pollution, and the persistent difficulty in preventing miners from returning to previously cleared areas. The government’s commitment to this effort underscores a strategic focus on protecting Ghana’s vital natural resources.
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Source: Adom Online
