We won’t give up on galamsey fight -Mahama
President John Dramani Mahama says Ghana is making progress in the fight against illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, as his government intensifies efforts to reclaim forest reserves and other environmentally sensitive areas affected by the activities. According to President Mahama, the renewed campaign against illegal mining is beginning to yield results, particularly in forest […]
President John Dramani Mahama has reaffirmed Ghana's commitment to combating illegal mining, or galamsey, as his administration intensifies efforts to restore forest reserves and other environmentally sensitive regions affected by the practice. The President stated that the renewed campaign is already showing positive results, especially in forest reserves heavily impacted by illegal mining activities.
The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) has been instrumental in these efforts, playing a crucial role in operations such as seizing mining equipment and evacuating illegal miners from several forest reserves.
During his Resetting Ghana Tour in the Upper East Region, Mahama highlighted the significant progress made by NAIMOS in reclaiming forest reserves from illegal miners, noting the seizure of excavators, Changfang machines, and the expulsion of miners from the affected areas. He emphasized that out of the nearly 49 forest reserves invaded by illegal miners, a substantial number had been successfully cleared of illegal activities.
The reclaimed territories are subsequently handed over to the Forestry Commission for ongoing management. However, the challenge persists as illegal miners have reportedly returned to these areas, demonstrating their lack of fear towards forest guards.
To address this issue, President Mahama further explained that the deployment of military detachments has proven effective in deterring illegal mining activities. This deployment, while beneficial, comes with additional financial implications, including the costs associated with feeding and providing logistical support for the military personnel stationed in the forest reserves.
Despite this financial burden, Mahama reiterated the government's unwavering resolve to prevent illegal miners from reoccupying reclaimed areas, emphasizing that Ghana will not relent in its efforts to protect its forests, water bodies, and other natural resources from the detrimental effects of illegal mining.
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