President John Dramani Mahama has officially declared the environmental destruction caused by illegal mining (galamsey) a national emergency, pledging immediate action to address the worsening crisis.
Speaking at a durbar in the Western North Region on Tuesday, July 15, as part of his ‘Thank You Tour’, President Mahama expressed deep concern over the scale of damage in communities such as Awaso, Dadieso, and Sefwi Anhwiaso.
He described the degradation of forest reserves and the pollution of water bodies in these areas as alarming, attributing the devastation largely to illegal mining operations.
“We are alarmed by the environmental destruction that is reported across Awaso, Dadieso, and Sefwi-Anhwiaso, mainly due to illegal mining. I must be honest, this is a national emergency,” the President declared.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to intensifying the work of the national task force, vowing to clamp down on illegal mining within forest reserves and river bodies.
In a sharp warning, President Mahama also called out the growing trend of corruption within the anti-galamsey enforcement teams. He condemned the operations of rogue task forces that allegedly extort money from legitimate small-scale mining businesses under the guise of law enforcement.
“I have also noticed the activities of the illegal anti-galamsey taskforces that go round extorting money from legitimate small-scale mining companies,” he said.
“I have requested the authorities to arrest and prosecute any individuals involved in this illegal anti-galamsey activity.”
President Mahama’s remarks have been widely welcomed by communities affected by illegal mining, who see his strong stance as a step toward restoring Ghana’s forests, rivers, and lawful mining practices.
Source: Wesleyannews.com
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