The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources has reaffirmed its commitment to intensify the fight against illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey, warning that the country’s food security and future are under serious threat.
According to the Ministry, disturbing reports of deformed babies and poisoned food in galamsey-prone areas are clear evidence of the devastating impact of illegal mining on the environment and public health.
While civil society organizations (CSOs) continue to mount pressure on the government to take more decisive action, the Ministry says it has already rolled out several initiatives aimed at combating the menace.
“Environmental crime cannot be overlooked,” the Ministry stressed.
Speaking at the annual Harvest and Thanksgiving service of the Methodist Church in Baatsona, Accra, the Ministry’s Communications Director, Ms. Ama Mawusi, said:
“Galamsey is poisoning our food and our future, we can’t sit aloof and unperturbed. We need to go beyond political will to address the menace.”
Ms. Mawusi acknowledged the calls by CSOs for the declaration of a state of emergency in forest reserves. She further highlighted that under the leadership of former President John Dramani Mahama and Hon. Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah, water bodies and forest reserves have already been declared security zones.
“We are hopeful this approach will help tackle encroachment,” she added.
The Communications Director also urged illegal miners to act responsibly to help protect the environment.
“We are not against mining as a government. What we are saying is that miners must be responsible and operate within the law. We have introduced several measures, including the Cooperative Small-Scale Mining Scheme.”
As part of her visit, Ms. Ama Mawusi made a donation of an undisclosed sum to the Methodist Church to support the construction of a new Sunday school building.
