The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has acknowledged the significant challenges facing the government’s fight against illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, but reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to tackling the menace.
Addressing the Government Accountability Series on Wednesday, July 15, the minister described illegal mining as one of the greatest environmental threats facing Ghana, stressing that the government remains determined to restore degraded lands, protect the nation’s forests and reclaim polluted water bodies.
According to him, while the fight has proven to be complex due to the scale of illegal mining activities across the country, the government is intensifying efforts through collaboration with state agencies, law enforcement institutions and local communities to tackle the problem.
The minister said the protection of Ghana’s natural resources is a national responsibility that cannot be compromised, noting that future generations deserve to inherit a country with healthy rivers, thriving forests and sustainably managed mineral resources.
He stressed that the government would continue to pursue individuals and groups involved in activities that destroy the environment, insisting that the era where offenders acted with impunity has come to an end.
“The fight against illegal mining is a defining environmental battle that our generation must fight. Our rivers are not for sale, our forests are not expendable, our mineral wealth is a sacred inheritance that we have a duty to protect. The era of impunity is over, and the government will continue to pursue everyone who profits from the destruction of our environment.
“The battle against illegal mining is difficult but the Ghanaian spirit is stronger. We will not retreat, we will not relent and we will not surrender, but we shall reclaim our rivers, restore our forests, protect our natural wealth and secure a greener, stronger and more prosperous Ghana for posterity.”
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