H. E. President John Dramani Mahama has said that in an effort to prevent additional damage to Ghana’s environment and natural resources, his government is intensifying its efforts to combat illegal mining, which is referred to locally as galamsey.
Addressing the press at his first media encounter on Wednesday, September 10, the President said a national task force had been deployed to address the menace head-on. According to him, the government’s strategy is already yielding tangible results.
“We’re taking decisive action to protect our environment and natural resources from destruction.
“A dedicated national task force is in place, actively combating the menace of illegal mining,” President Mahama said.
He highlighted the progress made so far, noting that several illegal operations have been disrupted.
“As a result of their operations, hundreds of excavators, water pumps and other heavy equipment have been seized.
“Disrupting the networks that have long exploited our rivers. Nine forest reserves have been reclaimed from the grips of illegal miners,” he added.
The President stressed that the illegal mining crisis had, for years, undermined the nation’s efforts to preserve its water bodies and forest reserves.
He assured the public that his administration would continue to intensify the crackdown until Ghana’s natural heritage is safeguarded for future generations.