Ghana’s Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, Murtala Mohammed, has vowed to take tough action against those responsible for illegal mining, also known as galamsey.
Speaking during his first official visit to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Minister Mohammed emphasized that his ministry will not go easy on those found guilty, regardless of their political affiliations ¹.
The minister highlighted the need for collaboration between his ministry and other relevant sectors, including the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, the Minister of Defence, Local Government and Chieftaincy, and the Ministry of the Interior.
This collaborative approach aims to address the security implications of illegal mining and ensure that those responsible are held accountable.
Minister Mohammed also announced plans to explore alternative methods for reclaiming lands affected by illegal mining, with the goal of reducing the burden on the national budget.
Since 2020, Ghana has spent over 300 million Ghanaian cedis to combat illegal mining, but the damage to the country’s waterbodies and land continues.
The issue of galamsey has been a contentious one in Ghana, with many calling for stronger action against those responsible. The recent arrests of anti-illegal mining protesters have sparked concerns about human rights violations and the government’s approach to addressing the issue.
*Key Points:*
– _Tough Action Against Galamsey_: Minister Murtala Mohammed vows to take tough action against those responsible for illegal mining.
– _Collaborative Approach_: The minister emphasizes the need for collaboration between his ministry and other relevant sectors to address the issue.
– _Alternative Reclamation Methods_: Plans to explore alternative methods for reclaiming lands affected by illegal mining to reduce the burden on the national budget.
Ongoing Challenges: Despite efforts to combat illegal mining, the damage to Ghana’s waterbodies and land continues.
